In the Bible, exaltation refers to the elevation of someone to a position of high honor, dignity, or authority, often linked to God’s favor and the reward for faithfulness or humility. It is exemplified in verses such as James 4:10, which states, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.”
Scripture
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Exaltation Defined in the Bible
The concept of exaltation in the Bible extends beyond mere elevation in status; it embodies the divine principle that those who exhibit humility and fidelity to God are ultimately rewarded with honor and positioning within His kingdom. The verse from James 4:10 encapsulates this idea, reinforcing that true elevation comes from a heart of humility and submission to God’s authority. This theme of divine exaltation is echoed throughout scripture, as seen in Proverbs 15:33, “The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” Here, we observe a consistent precept—humility is not just a virtue but a precursor to receiving honor and exaltation from God.
Moreover, the notion of exaltation is vividly illustrated through the life of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:9 proclaims, “Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name,” highlighting that Christ, through His humble sacrifice and obedience to the Father, was granted the highest honor. This principle applies not only to Christ but also to the faithful believers who aspire to reflect His character. Matthew 23:12 states, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted,” creating a powerful juxtaposition that encourages believers to seek God’s approval rather than worldly acclaim. As such, exaltation in the biblical sense invites individuals to recognize their dependence on God, trust in His timing, and pursue righteousness with the assurance that He will lift them up in due season.
Exaltation in the Bible is also reflected in the overarching narrative of the covenant relationship between God and His people. Throughout scripture, we see a pattern of God uplifting those who remain steadfast in their devotion, often through trials and tribulations. For instance, in the story of Joseph, we witness his journey from being sold into slavery to becoming the second-highest authority in Egypt. His humility, patience, and faith in God ultimately lead to his exaltation. This illustrates that divine promotion often arises from enduring hardships while maintaining unwavering trust in God’s plan. Here, exaltation serves as a testament to God’s faithfulness and the rewards that follow perseverance and integrity.
In addition, exaltation is intricately linked to the concept of the Kingdom of God, where the least among us are often the greatest in His sight. The parables of Jesus frequently emphasize this upside-down reality: those who serve others, show kindness, and embody a spirit of selflessness are marked for exaltation in the eternal realm. Such teachings underscore that earthly measures of success and power are not aligned with divine principles. In the Beatitudes, for instance, Jesus blesses the meek and the merciful, reinforcing that exaltation is characterized by an inward transformation of the heart that manifests externally in our interactions with others. Thus, biblical exaltation invites believers to engage in acts of love and service, yielding a promise of elevation not merely in this life, but in the heavenly kingdom to come.
Spiritual Elevation and Humility
Exaltation in the Bible often signifies a state of spiritual elevation that comes as a result of humility and submission to God. It reflects the principle that those who humble themselves before the Lord will be lifted up in due time. This concept emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s own limitations and the need for divine grace, leading to a higher spiritual standing in the eyes of God.
Divine Favor and Blessing
Exaltation can also be understood as a manifestation of divine favor and blessing. In biblical contexts, when individuals or nations are exalted, it often indicates that they are receiving God’s approval and blessings. This can be seen in the context of leadership, where God raises certain individuals to positions of authority as a sign of His favor, enabling them to fulfill His purposes on earth.
Eternal Glory and Reward
Another broader meaning of exaltation in the Bible relates to the promise of eternal glory and reward for the faithful. This concept encompasses the idea that believers who remain steadfast in their faith and obedience to God will ultimately be exalted in the afterlife. This exaltation is not merely a temporary elevation but a lasting state of honor and glory in the presence of God, reflecting the ultimate fulfillment of His promises to those who trust in Him.
How to Elevate Your Faith and Glorify GodDaily
Elevating your faith and glorifying God daily is a beautiful journey that begins with intentionality and openness to His presence in every moment. Start each day with prayer, inviting God into your thoughts and actions, and ask for guidance to see the world through His eyes. As you go about your daily tasks, practice gratitude—acknowledge the small blessings and the lessons in challenges, recognizing that each moment is an opportunity to reflect His love. Engage with Scripture regularly, allowing His Word to shape your heart and mind, and seek ways to serve others, whether through acts of kindness or simply being a listening ear. Remember, it’s not about perfection but about progress; every step you take towards deepening your relationship with God is a step that glorifies Him. Embrace the journey, and let your faith shine brightly in all you do!
Bible References to Exaltation in Scripture:
James 4:6-10: 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
1 Peter 5:5-7: 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Matthew 23:11-12: 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant.
12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Luke 14:7-11: 7 Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them,
8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him,”
9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place.
10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you.
11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Isaiah 52:13-15: 13 Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted.
14 As many were astonished at you—
his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance,
and his form beyond that of the children of mankind—
15 so shall he sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths because of him, for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand.
Psalm 75:6-7: 6 For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up,
7 But it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another.
Proverbs 3:34-35: 34 Toward the scorners he is scornful,
but to the humble he gives favor.
35 The wise will inherit honor,
but fools get disgrace.
Daniel 4:34-37: 34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;
35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”
36 At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me.
37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.
1 Samuel 2:7-8: 7 The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low and he exalts.
8 He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor.
2 Corinthians 11:30-33: 30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.
32 In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me.
33 but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands.
Hebrews 2:9-10: 9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.
Acts 5:30-31: 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.
31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
Ephesians 1:19-23: 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,
21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,
23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Revelation 5:11-14: 11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,
12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”
13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”
14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.