September 16 | Hebrews 2:8b-9 and Philippians 2:7-9

kks6buckeye
Sep 15
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

God's Hierarchy

By Kim Starr

When God created the heavens and the earth, he had a hierarchy in mind. Of course, he was over all. Next came the angels. Third came man, who he placed on the earth to rule over every living creature, to fill the earth and subdue it, and to cultivate and care for the Garden of Eden. These commands were given as part of God’s plan for man to reflect God’s likeness and manifest his nature. God established a stewardship role for humanity and man was to be God’s representative on earth.

We rarely think about what God wanted man to do on earth because man blew it by disobeying God’s command to not eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Man’s respect for not eating this fruit was to show his acceptance of God as his ruler. But man failed, and sin was introduced into the world.

To restore man, God sent his son Jesus to earth to walk, talk, and look just like we do. His role was to die on the cross for the sins of each and every one of us. By his death and resurrection, Jesus redeemed us and fulfilled God’s original plan and purpose for mankind.

God then made it abundantly clear that Jesus was above the angels in his hierarchy. He exalted Jesus to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name. Jesus now sits at his rightful place, on a throne at the right hand of God. This position signifies Jesus’ completion of his earthly mission. Praise be to God!

PRAYER

God, the plan you put in place when you created earth is beyond anything we can comprehend. I am amazed by it and your purpose for us. Thank you for restoring us in your plan by sending Jesus to earth to save mankind from its sins. Thank you for putting Jesus in his rightful place so we can worship, praise, and adore him. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KIM STARR

I have been a member of UALC since I was 2-years-old. Over my life I have participated in, and volunteered for, numerous ministries, programs, and activities, all of which have grown and strengthened my faith. I have been blessed beyond measure by not only being a part of this congregation, but also by being able to worship with three generations of my family.