Have you ever watched a movie where the hero faces seemingly impossible odds, battles against overwhelming evil, and then, against all expectations, emerges victorious? That feeling of triumph, that sense of justice prevailing, is a glimpse of the ultimate victory won by Jesus.
Our key verses point to this glorious truth: Psalm 110:1, looking forward, declares, “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’” And Hebrews 1:3, looking back, tells us, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”
These verses, centuries apart, speak of Jesus’ exaltation – His being raised to the highest place of honor and power. They tell us that His story doesn’t end with suffering and death; it culminates in victory and authority.
Think back to Jesus’ life. He faced rejection, betrayal, and the agony of the cross. It might have seemed like evil had won. But God had a different plan. His death wasn’t the end, but a crucial turning point. Both Psalm 110:1 and Hebrews 1:3 speak of Jesus sitting at God’s “right hand.” In ancient times, the right hand was the place of honor and authority, the seat of power. These verses are telling us that after Jesus’ suffering, God raised Him up to the highest position. It’s like the hero of the movie, who, after enduring the toughest trials, is finally crowned king, receiving all honor and power. Jesus, through His obedience and sacrifice, earned the ultimate victory.
Psalm 110:1 says, “The Lord says to my Lord.” This might seem a bit confusing, but it’s a powerful statement about Jesus’ identity. It shows that even though Jesus is human, He is also divine. He is both “Lord” and the Son of God, sharing in God’s authority. He isn’t just one among many; He is the King. His rule isn’t limited to one nation or one time period. Hebrews 1:3 tells us He is at the “right hand of the Majesty in heaven,” meaning His authority extends over all creation, both seen and unseen.
Psalm 110:1 also speaks of God making Jesus’ “enemies a footstool for your feet.” This is a vivid image of complete and utter defeat. It means that every power that opposes God, every force of evil, will ultimately be crushed under Jesus’ authority. Think about all the things that cause pain and suffering in the world – injustice, hatred, death itself. These are the “enemies” that Jesus conquered through His death and resurrection. And the promise is that one day, they will be completely defeated.
Jesus’ exaltation has incredible implications for us. He isn’t a distant, uncaring ruler. Because He experienced human life, He understands our struggles. He is our advocate, our representative before God. Hebrews 1:3 tells us He “provided purification for sins,” meaning He made a way for us to be reconciled to God. But He is also our ruler, the one who guides and directs the course of history. His authority gives us confidence that God’s plan will ultimately prevail. Even when things seem chaotic and out of control, we can trust that Jesus is in charge.
The image of Jesus seated at God’s right hand gives us hope for the future. It assures us that God’s kingdom will ultimately triumph. It reminds us that even though evil may seem powerful now, it will not have the final word. Jesus’ victory is our victory. His exaltation is a promise that one day, we too will share in His glory. It’s a hope that sustains us through trials and gives us strength to live for Him today.