Topical Bible: The Power of God: Saints: Exalted By

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The power of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, manifesting in various ways to accomplish His divine purposes. One significant aspect of God's power is how it exalts His saints, lifting them from humble beginnings to positions of influence and honor. This exaltation is not for their glory but to fulfill God's plans and demonstrate His sovereignty and grace.

Biblical Examples of Exaltation:

1. Joseph: The account of Joseph is a profound example of God's power in exalting His saints. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph's journey from the pit to the palace is marked by God's providential hand. In Genesis 41:39-41 , Pharaoh acknowledges the divine wisdom in Joseph, saying, "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you." Joseph's rise to power in Egypt illustrates how God can elevate His faithful servants to positions of authority.

2. David: David's life is another testament to God's power in exalting His chosen ones. From a shepherd boy to the king of Israel, David's ascent is orchestrated by God's will. In 1 Samuel 16:12-13 , the Lord instructs Samuel to anoint David, saying, "Rise and anoint him, for he is the one." Despite facing numerous challenges, David's kingship is established by God's power, fulfilling His promise to make David a great leader.

3. Esther: Esther's account highlights God's power in exalting His people for the preservation of His chosen nation. As a Jewish woman in a foreign land, Esther becomes queen and is instrumental in saving her people from destruction. Esther 4:14 captures the divine purpose in her exaltation: "And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther's rise to prominence is a testament to God's ability to position His saints strategically for His purposes.

4. Daniel: Daniel's life in Babylon exemplifies God's power in exalting His faithful servants even in exile. Despite the challenges of living in a pagan culture, Daniel remains steadfast in his faith, and God honors him with wisdom and insight. In Daniel 6:3 , it is noted, "Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom." Daniel's elevation is a direct result of God's power working through him.

Theological Implications:

The exaltation of saints by the power of God underscores several key theological truths. Firstly, it affirms God's sovereignty and His ability to orchestrate events according to His divine will. Secondly, it highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience, as those who are exalted often demonstrate unwavering commitment to God. Lastly, it serves as a reminder that God's purposes transcend human understanding, and His power can transform seemingly impossible situations for His glory.

Scriptural Reflections:

The Psalms frequently reflect on God's power to exalt the humble. Psalm 75:6-7 declares, "For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, but it is God who judges; He brings one down and exalts another." This passage emphasizes that true exaltation is a divine act, not a result of human effort or ambition.

In the New Testament, the theme continues with the teachings of Jesus. In Matthew 23:12 , Jesus states, "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." This principle underscores the paradox of God's kingdom, where humility precedes exaltation, and God's power is made perfect in weakness.

The power of God in exalting His saints is a profound demonstration of His grace and purpose, revealing His ability to use ordinary individuals for extraordinary purposes. Through His power, God not only elevates His people but also advances His kingdom, ensuring that His will is accomplished on earth as it is in heaven.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 36:22
Behold, God exalts by his power: who teaches like him?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Kingdom Given to the Saints at the Resurrection of the Just.
... "Thrones" are symbols of power. ... also add: "and hath made us kings and priests unto
God, and his ... All the saints being thus exalted to kingly and priestly dignity ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the kingdom given to the.htm

Of Deeper Matters, and God's Hidden Judgments which are not to be ...
... neither may any reasoning or disputation have power to search ... All the Saints, the
higher they are exalted in ... that they cast their crowns before God and fell on ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter lviii of deeper matters.htm

Whether the Happiness of the Saints Will be Greater after the ...
... Therefore it has then greater power for operation, and ... by rejoicing in the infinite
good, namely God; and after ... At present the souls of the saints are under ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the happiness of the.htm

Christ Exalted
... that; but still the suffrages of all the saints, and of ... had the power; and when we
shall have power to do ... even the angels are kept there, and God "chargeth his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/christ exalted.htm

Whether the Saints Will Never Use their Agility for the Purpose of ...
... and likewise the bodies of the saints, which will ... was identified by Christian writers
with the abode of God. ... practice that which is in their power, they may ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the saints will never.htm

All Saints' Day
... Thus all His disciples and Saints have followed after Him, each one in his hard
and suffering life, according to his power, and as God has decreed. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxvi all saints day.htm

Prayer and the Word of God
... to be holy, not only by God's creative power, but, also ... will in prayer, we must be
filled with God's Spirit, who maketh intercession for the saints, and in ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xii prayer and the word.htm

A Remarkable and Original Reply to These Utterances
... that we are ashamed of the Cross of Christ, and slander the saints, and say ... the
Corinthians he says that the word of the Cross is "the power of God to them ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 3 a remarkable and.htm

God's Inheritance in the Saints
... belongs, and can only belong to, 'the saints.' So, then ... the motives for self-surrender
and the power for sanctity. You cannot have heaven unless you have God. ...
/.../gods inheritance in the saints.htm

Book 2
... is, that God alone may be exalted in his ... of his Wisdom, Long-suffering, Power, Goodness,
Justice ... is, when we substitute in the place of God saints, or creatures ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/book 2.htm