Wednesday
Wednesday
Seated at the Right Hand of God
But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.
Hebrews 10:12
According to the Apostles’ Creed, “He ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.” How are we to understand his heavenly “session”?
Firstly, Jesus Christ is resting. The picture is taken from everyday experience that after a day’s work in the office or the home, we sit down and put our feet up. So Jesus, “after he had provided purification for sins … sat down” (1:3). The Old Testament priests continued their ministry day after day, week after week, and month after month, but Jesus “offered for all time one sacrifice for sins” (10:12). They stood daily, for no seats were provided in the temple, but when he had offered his sacrifice, he sat down. The priests’ standing posture symbolized that their ministry was incomplete, whereas Jesus sat down to indicate that his work was done.
Secondly, Jesus Christ is reigning. For he has been promoted to the right hand of God, to the supreme place of honor and power in the universe. From that position he sent the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost and sends his people out on their mission. Already all authority in heaven and earth has been given to him. Not yet, however, has the devil conceded defeat.
Thirdly, Jesus Christ is waiting “for his enemies to be made his footstool” (v. 13). The words come from Psalm 110:1, which Jesus applied to himself. In it Yahweh says to the Messiah, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” The psalm combines the two perspectives. He reigns while he waits and waits while he reigns.
This rich theology is included in the ascension and session of Jesus Christ, namely that he is resting, reigning, and waiting. Resting, he looks back to the past and declares his atoning work to be finished. Reigning, he supervises the present and sends his people out on their mission. Waiting, he anticipates the future, when his enemies will be finally subdued and his kingdom will have come in its fullness.
For future reading: Hebrews 10:11–18