THE FATHER'S NEED OF THE SON

"So also Christ DID NOT GLORIFY HIMSELF so as to become a high priest, but He who said to Him, "THOU ART MY SON, TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN THEE" (Heb 5:4a, NASB).

God provided the High Priest primarily for Himself! It is true that we need a High Priest. That provision is an essential part of our salvation. It is also true that the primary ministry of our High Priest is to God Himself. In our High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ, God has provided for the expression of His own nature.

Among other things, this unveils the eagerness of the Father to save us. Consider this statement in view of His appointed High priest. "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Pet 3:9, NIV). Those words are addressed to the "redeemed of the Lord" (Psa 107:2). They are more than the statement of a heavenly technicality. They are supported by the continual ministry of our great High Priest. If you are ever prone to doubt God's personal interest in you, consider His appointment of the Son as our High Priest! This allows the Father to fulfill His purpose toward you. He only needs your consent, and full acquiescence.

" . . .  So also Christ did not glorify Himself so as to become a high priest . . . " (Heb 5:5, NASB). The mystery of godliness (1 Tim 3:16) is revealed in this expression. Remember, God does, in fact, glorify Himself. Jesus once prayed, "Father, glorify your name!" The Father responded, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again" (John 12:28, NIV).

However, the Son did not glorify Himself -- particularly in His High Priestly role. This was something the Father did for the Son -- not something the Son did for Himself.  With unparalleled boldness and insight, Peter announced, "The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our ancestors has glorified His servant Jesus . . . " (Acts 3:13, NRSV).

By saying "Christ did not glorify Himself," the Spirit is intending to show us the purpose of God. Salvation is not a reactionary response, but a Divine purpose. Just as our Savior is "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world," so the Father appointed Him to be our High Priest, to administer salvation, before He ever made the world. In due time, He "glorified" the Son, as "the Man Christ Jesus" (1 Tim 2:5), elevating Him to the ministry of representation.

That glorification confirms the thorough satisfaction of the Father with the sacrifice of the Son. The Father "sent" the Son (1 John 4:14), "beget" the Son (Heb 1:5), protected Him in infancy (Matt 2:13-14), upheld Him in temptation (Matt 4:11; Luke 22:43), directed Him in ministry (John 8:28,38; 10:32,37), raised Him from the dead (Rom 6:4; Gal 1:1), and set Him at His own right hand (Heb 1:13). Nothing can be more plain! Jesus did not glorify Himself, but the Father did!

God will be favorably disposed to bless those who give due honor to the Son. How wonderfully this is stated in John 12:26. "If any one serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there shall My servant be also; if any one serves Me, the Father will honor him."

       God needs Jesus -- not because He is weak, but because He is holy. He needs Jesus -- not because He is insufficient, but because He is intent upon saving us. God needs Jesus -- not because He is lacking, but because He is determined to bring many sons to glory. What can be said of those souls who believe they do NOT need Jesus?

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus I thank You for providing a Savior to deliver me from the guilt of sin, and an Intercessor to deliver me from its power and give needed benefits to me.

-- Tomorrow:  --