What does "God has ascended" signify about God's sovereignty and authority? Setting the Scene “God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD amid the sounding of trumpets.” (Psalm 47:5) Ascension Language in Scripture • Psalm 47 celebrates the kingship of God over “all the earth” (v. 2). • The imagery of ascent appears elsewhere—Psalm 68:18; 24:7–10; Daniel 7:13–14; Acts 1:9–11; Ephesians 4:8—each time underscoring divine rule. • Ascending is royal-court language: a king goes up to his throne, a victor rises to his seat of honor. What “God Has Ascended” Announces about Sovereignty • Supreme Kingship – In the Ancient Near East, earthly kings “went up” to their palaces; here the LORD rises above every throne. – Psalm 47:8 affirms, “God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne.” • Uncontested Authority – No rival can dethrone Him (Isaiah 46:9–10). – Daniel 4:35: “He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the people of the earth.” • Completed Victory – Ascension follows triumph. Psalm 68:18 (quoted in Ephesians 4:8) portrays God leading captives in His train—enemies subdued. – Colossians 2:15 shows Christ disarming rulers and authorities, then being exalted (Philippians 2:9-11). • Cosmic Scope – “King of all the earth” (Psalm 47:7). – Hebrews 1:3–4 locates the Son “at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” governing the universe. How Authority Is Exercised • Governing Nations – Acts 17:26: He determines their appointed times and boundaries. • Sustaining Creation – Hebrews 1:3: He “upholds all things by His powerful word.” • Saving People – Psalm 68:20: “Our God is a God of salvation.” – John 12:32: “And I, when I am lifted up… will draw all men to Myself.” • Judging Righteously – Acts 17:31: God has set a day to judge the world by the Man He has appointed. Practical Encouragements • Confidence: The throne is occupied; history is not spiraling out of control (Psalm 103:19). • Worship: Trumpet-blare joy invites wholehearted praise (Psalm 47:6). • Mission: Because He reigns, the gospel carries divine authority (Matthew 28:18-19). • Hope: The ascended Lord will return in like manner (Acts 1:11) to consummate His kingdom (Revelation 11:15). Summing Up “God has ascended” is a shorthand declaration that the LORD is the unrivaled, victorious King whose authority extends to every corner of creation and every moment of history. |
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