Photo Credit: Parade
“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment, he was taken away.” – Isaiah 53:7-8
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds, you have been healed.” – 1 Peter 2:24
Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death — even to death on a cross. For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow — in heaven and on earth and under the earth — and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. – Philippians 2:5-11
[For further study, see also Ezekiel 16:5; Matthew 27:39; Mark 15:29; Acts 8:32; Hebrews 11:25; Luke 19:9; Romans 11:11; Philippians 2:9 – Sifa Lyrics: Highly Exalted – Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration – https://sifalyrics.com/robin-mark-highly-exalted-lyrics]
This week we have the pleasure of my mom-in-law visiting. She is a complete blessing. Such a humble servant and faithful pray’er. You want her to be praying for you. She is a great story-teller and encourager. Her great-grandchildren adore her! She brings joy with her into the house.
One thing that changes in our home when she is here is some of what we watch on TV. On Sunday evenings in her home, she watches a church program produced through Pensacola Christian University. The name of the program is Rejoice in the Lord. The sermon this week was “Renaming Your Sorrow”. Sunday night’s message was impacting, but what touched me the most was one of the worship songs. It was the first time I heard this song “Highly Exalted” and it’s been on repeat since then. You can watch/listen to the university choir sing it here at 11:40 minutes in. So beautiful. Written by Robin Mark and Paul Baloche (released in 2018). All Scripture. I got goosebumps and still get them. Thank You, Jesus.
This song has burned its message into my heart. We treat Jesus too lightly sometimes…and, if we are honest, we can turn our faces away from His teaching, the example of His life, and His atoning sacrifice for our sins. To our detriment. Lord, have mercy on our souls. Forever a part of the triune nature of the Godhead, the Son of God came in obedience to the Father to make a way for us to become children of the most high God. He came in humility as a baby, lived as a carpenter’s son, touch lives radically for three years of public ministry, died a horrible death…in obedience to the Father and for our sakes. Then God the Father raised Him from the dead, and Christ lives forever to intercede for us and welcome us Home. Thanks be to God.
The rise and fall of this song and the lyrics that Robin and Paul knit together from the Word take us to the booming chorus:
“For God has highly exalted Your name; He has enthroned You on high: Jesus the name above all names!”
Amen and Amen.
We exalt You, Lord Jesus. You are worthy of all our praise.
Let’s worship together to this beautiful anthem:
You were despised
You were rejected Lord
Those who passed by
Even averted their gaze from Your sight
Such was the suffering You bore for us
Led like a lamb, lamb to the slaughter
You spoke not a word
Chose to be silent
Though You did no wrong
Nor was deceitfulness found in You
Yet by Your wounds our salvation has come
Yet by Your suffering our freedom is won
For God has highly exalted Your name
He has enthroned You on high
Jesus the name above all names (2x)
Led like a lamb, lamb to the slaughter
You spoke not a word
Chose to be silent
Though You did no wrong
Nor was deceitfulness found in You
Yet by Your wounds our salvation has come
Yet by Your suffering our freedom is won
(For) God has highly exalted Your name
He has enthroned You on high
Jesus the name above all names (2x)
Yet by Your wounds our salvation has come
Yet by Your suffering our freedom is won
(For) God has highly exalted Your name
He has enthroned You on high
Jesus the name above all names (2x)*
Photo Credit: Knowing-Jesus
*Lyrics to “Highly Exalted” – Songwriter: Paul Baloche & Robin Mark
YouTube Video – Highly Exalted | Schönfeld Projektchor
Highly Exalted Music Video – YouTube