Jehoshua is on the throne of David in New Jerusalem and He is the King of a New Israel
Isaiah 53
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Here Isaiah the prophet describes the nature of the Messiah's earthly ministry. This is a perfect example of the Messiah being a servant as He sacrificed Himself for us and took the punishment we deserve for transgressing Jehovah's law. Let's go to second part of verse 7 "being made in the likeness of men" Much is made of this verse by those who believe in the preexistence of the Messiah as they say that He was in the form of God in heaven and then was made in the likeness of men through incarnation. However, there is no need to have this understanding as Jehoshua emptying Himself was not Him setting aside some divine nature or substance but rather simply humbling Himself. The phrase "being made in the likeness of men" refers to His humanity and that despite being in the form of God, through being indwelt by Him (God), He was truly Human as scripture all over the place confirms. Jehoshua, during His earthly ministry, operated in the power of God (form of), yet He was made as man through birth like everyone else. Galatians 4:4 (KJV) 4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, The phrase "made of a woman" is parallel to being "made in the likeness of men". It was Jehoshua being made of a woman through birth that eqauted Him being made in the likeness of men. The phrase "being made in the likeness of men" cannot possibly refer to Him not really being a man as some teach. Some use this verse to say that Jehoshua's true essence is as a spirit being or God Himself and that He just took on humanity to clothe His natural spirit substance. However, this patently false and even anti-Messiah. Even those of the trinitarian faith acknowledge the absolute humanity of the Messiah. However, they muddy the waters with the unbiblical hypostatic union doctrine. The phrase "being made in the likeness of men" doesn't mean that Jehoshua was not fully a man or that He just took on the appearance of a man. It means that despite doing the works of God, He was made as a man through a woman just like everyone else. 1 John 4:2-3 (KJV) 2Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:3And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. The very definition of the Spirit of anti-Messiah is when people do not confess that Jehoshua was a full flesh and blood human. Those that do confess His humanity have been inspired to do so by the Spirit of God. So when it says Jehoshua was made in the likeness of men, it doesn't mean that He was only like a man but that He indeed was a man and that He was like all other men in that He was fully human. The early Church refuted any ideas that Jehoshua was some hybrid spirit/human being and labeled this as Gnostic. They also refuted any idea that He was a pure spirit being. Likeness of men doesn't mean Jehoshua wasn't just using humanity to clothe some divine nature but rather that He was like all other men in that He was made of a woman (Galatians 4:4). Even in His resurrected state Jehoshua is still fully human: 1 Timothy 2:5 (KJV) 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; The manhood of Jehoshua is essential to the Messianic/Christian faith. It's His full humanity that qualifies Him to be our High Priest. Even Moses prophesied that the future prophet of Israel would be a man just like him and his Israelite brethren: Deuteronomy 18:15 15Jehovah thy God will raise up unto thee a prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; Hebrews 5:6-7 (KJV) 6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Jehoshua was a full flesh and blood human during His life on earth, he was not a spirit being who just took on a human nature. Verse 8 of Philippians 2: "and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross." This verse reiterates the humanity of the Messiah which we have already seen from the previous verses. Again, there is no reason to take this emphasis of the Messiah's humanity in combination with humbling Himself as some transition from some divine nature to human nature or being divine and then adding a human nature. Also, Jehoshua being spirit and then just appearing as a man but not really being one is also out of the question. Jehoshua being found as a man refers to His absolute humanity and that when people came across Him during His ministry they found indeed that He was a man. As per the context of this passage in Philippians 2, Jehoshua's humility is highlighted and His humility resulted in Him submitting to the will of the Father. Let's look at Jehoshua's prayer to the Father in the garden of Gethasame: Luke 22:41-42 (ASV) 41And he was parted from them about a stone`s cast; and he kneeled down and prayed,42saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. Jehoshua asked that the cup that He was about to drink (his passion and death on the cross) be taken from Him. However, Messiah concluded His prayer but saying that nevertheless the Father's will be done. Over and over again, the Son of God denies Himself and served others and submitted to the Father's will. Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) 2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Jehoshua endured the cross, meaning that despite the loneliness of it and despite the physical pain of it and the feeling of emotional anguish, He was willing to go through it because of His love for us. He also had the resurrection hope and that the sure mercies of David awaiting Him in the holy of holies in the heavenly sanctuary. Galatians 2:20 (KJV) 20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Due to the Son of God's love for us, He gave Himself as a ransom. It was love for His brethren that motivated the humility of the Messiah. Galatians 1:3-4 (KJV) 3Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,4Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father Jehoshua selflessly gave Himself for us in order that He would save us from this present evil world. Paul says that this was according to the Father's will. Again, this shows us that the Son was submissive to the Father's will and providing us with salvation now (presently). This shows us the absolute humility of Jehoshua Messiah. Titus 2:13-14 13looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;14who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works. Jehoshua gave Himself for us that we would be His purchased possession and redeem us from lawlessness (iniquity). Just as Jehoshua walked in good works, He has purified us by His blood in order to be zealous in the good works that the Father has prepared for us before the foundation of the world. Jehoshua was the pattern man and His humility is an example for all of us. His obedience to Father in order to go to the cross should inspire us to follow in His footsteps. Ephesians 5:1-2 (ASV) 1Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children;2and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell. Verse 9 of Philippians 2, "Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name;" Remember that it is God (one being) who exalted the Messiah who is a completely different being. This Messiah is a man approved of God (Acts 2:22) not another God or a part of God in terms of "being". Hebrews 1:8-9 shows that exaltation of Jehoshua on the throne of David upon His ascension into heaven. Acts 2:36: "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jehoshua, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Messiah." It was God who made Jehoshua King and Messiah as these offices were not automatically His but had to be given to Him. The name above all names is "Jehoshua", however it isn't the pronunciation of the name itself that is above all names but rather the character and authority that the name represents. This character and authority that the name represents is the fact that Jehoshua is the only begotten Son of God and King of Israel: Hebrews 1:4-5 4Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.5For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? Verse 5 quotes two Davidic references (Psalm 2:7 and 2 Samuel 7:14) connecting the Davidic dynasty to the Sonship of Jehoshua as Psalm 2:7 is a royal coronation hymn and 2 Samuel 7:14 states that there is Father-Son covenant relationship with the Davidic king and Jehovah God. The name "Jehoshua" is not in and of itself the name above all names but rather it is the authority that the name represents that makes it a more excellent name than the angels. This authority comes from the fact that Jehoshua is of the seed of David and rightful heir to the throne (Luke 1:32-33). Jehoshua was begotten (anointed) by Jehovah God into Kingship at His baptism as Psalm 2:7 is the original quotation of Jehoshua's baptism accounts. Jehoshua was also begotten (anointed and enthroned) into Kingship at His ascension into heaven (Hebrews 1:8-9). The authority of Jehoshua's name is in His Davidic lineage and adoption by Jehovah God as Son and King. To be anointed as the King of Israel was also the same as being begotten by Jehovah God as His Son. It was an adoption ceremony where Jehovah enthroned His chosen Messiah as the King of the nation of Israel. Jehovah God made a covenant with David's royal seed that they would be His Son and He would be there Father. Jehovah God never made this covenant with an angel. This is the whole purpose of Hebrews 1, which is to show the absolute superiority of the final Davidic King over the angels including Gabriel or Michael. Verses 10 and 11 of Philippians 2: 10 that in the name of Jehoshua every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth,11and that every tongue should confess that Jehoshua Messiah is King, to the glory of God the Father. This will take place at the white throne judgment when Messiah separates the sheep and the goats. In that day ALL will bow to Jehoshua and confess that He is King to the glory of God the Father. This is often used by Trinitarians as another proof text for their doctrine yet there is no need for that understanding because all throughout scripture Jehoshua is identified as the anointed King of Israel, the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant. This is how we should understand the title "Lord" when used of Jehoshua. Psalm 110:1 makes the distinction between Jehovah God (LORD) and the Lord at His right hand. The Lord at Jehovah's right hand is the future Messianic King and the word "Lord" here comes from the Hebrew word "adowne" which is used of human or angel rulers. It is mostly used for human rulers. It is never used as a title for Jehovah God. The fact that all will bow to Jehoshua does not prove He is God as we see a similar scenario in 1 Chronicles 29:20: "And David said to all the assembly, Now bless Jehovah your God. And all the assembly blessed Jehovah, the God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped Jehovah, and the king." Israel worshipped both Jehovah God and His anointed king David. In essence they worshipped the Father and Son, because the Davidic King was in a covenant Father-Son relationship with Jehovah God. Jeremiah 30:8-9 (ASV) 8And it shall come to pass in that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds; and strangers shall no more make him their bondman;9but they shall serve Jehovah their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them. Israel was not only to serve Jehovah God, but also the Royal Davidic seed which is now Jehoshua as He was raised up as its King upon His baptism and then more fully at His ascension into heaven. The Davidic King was Jehovah God's begotten Son by way of anointing so again Israel was to serve the Father (Jehovah God) and His begotten Son (the Davidic King). Jude 4For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord (Jehovah) God, and our Lord (King) Jehoshua Messiah. In the days of the Davidic kings, you could not separate Jehovah from His anointed king in terms of worship and honor. This was true in terms of the righteous kings such as David, Solomon, Hezekiah and Josiah although they weren't perfect. To deny one was to deny the other. Jehovah and His anointed king were one in mind, plan and purpose and in a covenant with each other. This of course is magnified tremendously now that the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant has been enthroned. Here in the book of Jude we see that the false teachers were denying the only Lord God and His Messianic King. To deny one is to deny the other as they (Jehoshua and Jehovah) are in a covenant relationship with each other having its roots in the everlasting Davidic covenant. This is why Jehoshua says: John 5:22-23 22For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:23That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. As true as this was for the righteous Davidic kings of the past it is exponentially true of the greater David, Jehoshua Messiah. Also, note that in verse 11 it says that the bowing and confessing as Jehoshua as King is to the glory of God the Father. This is because the Father is the one who made Jehoshua Messiah and King and exalted Him and set Him at His (the Father's) right hand. All things in heaven refer to the angels All things in earth, those all alive at Messiah's second advent All things under the earth, those who are resurrected whether just or unjust. In that day, Jehoshua will be vindicated as God's anointed King and the fulfillment of the oath made to David by Jehovah God. Jehoshua being the King of Israel is what gives Him the right to the titles "Alpha and Omega" and "the first and the last". These are Kingship titles not necessarily having to do with substance or eternal existence. These titles are applied to Jehoshua in Revelation 1:11,17; 22:13. Jehovah God is also called Alpha and Omega and the first and the last in Rev 1:8 & Isaiah 41:4 and 44:6. Isaiah 41:4 4 Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I Jehovah the first, and with the last; I am he. 17 verses later Jehovah is identified as the King of Jacob: Isaiah 41 21Produce your cause, saith Jehovah; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. In Isaiah 44, we see a direct connection between the title "first and last" with Jehovah being the King of Israel: 6 Thus saith Jehovah, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, Jehovah of hosts: I am the first, and I am the last; and besides me there is no God. For Jehovah, the title of first and last refers to His Kingship as well as being the only true God which Jehoshua identifies as the Father alone (John 17:3). For Jehoshua the titles of "Alpha and Omega" and "first and the last" refer to His resurrection from the dead and being given the sure mercies of David as a result. The sure mercies of David are the everlasting covenant made to David's seed, which is the royal thone and the Kingdom of Israel. Both of these (throne and Kingdom) were received by Jehoshua by way of the resurrection and ascension into heaven as proved by Peter (Acts 2:29-36) and the author of Hebrews (verses 5-9). Jehoshua is identified as the firstborn Son of God by way of His being the seed of David (Psalm 89:27) and being made higher than the kings of the earth by way of resurrection as He inherited a heavenly throne which is above all earthly and angelic ones (Colossians 1:15-16). As the Father and Son are one (John 10:30) and both are identified as the King of Israel then it makes sense that they share the aforementioned titles of "Alpha and Omega" and "the first and the last". Revelation 1:5-6 (ASV) 5and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loveth us, and loosed us from our sins by his blood;6and he made us to be a kingdom, to be priests unto his God and Father; to him be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Jehoshua's title of firstborn is connected to His resurrection from the dead and His Kingship (Psalm.89:27). His Kingship is connected to His Davidic lineage. His resurrection is also connected to Him being the beginning (ruler, chief in rank) of the creation of God (Revelation 3:14). So the titles "Alpha" and "first" are linked to Jehoshua's resurrection which resulted in Him having the preeminence (Col 1:18) and being made ruler of the kings of the earth (Psalm 89:27; Rev 1:6). The resurrection event led to the ascension of the Messiah into heaven to be enthroned as the King of Israel on the throne of David and to receive a Kingdom. So the "Alpha" and "first" titles are directly tied and connected to Jehoshua being the Davidic Israelite King. The titles "Omega" and "last" are also directly tied to Jehoshua's Kingship. The fact that Jehoshua will be the one everyone in heaven, earth and under the earth bows and confesses to, is another reason He is the Omega and the last as He finishes this age with His second advent. His Kingship will be vindicated and His Kingdom consummated on this earth as He introduces the age to come by way of the new heavens and new earth. Jehoshua having the keys of death and hell (the grave) is another reason for the title "Omega" and "last" as He will resurrect the dead and then judge them from His white throne. Jehoshua is the judge of men's eternity, hence He is the "Omega" and "last". Everyone one will go before the judgment seat of the only begotten Son Jehoshua: 2 Corinthians 5:10 (ASV) 10 For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things [done] in the body, according to what he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad. Revelation 22:12-13 (ASV) 12Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to render to each man according as his work is.13I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Jehoshua here clearly identifies why He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last. It is because He has been given authority to judge all men and end this age upon His second advent. Jehovah God appointed Him this right: John 5:21-23 21For as the Father raiseth the dead and giveth them life, even so the Son also giveth life to whom he will.22For neither doth the Father judge any man, but he hath given all judgment unto the Son; 23that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father that sent him. Basically the titles "Alpha and Omega", first and the last" are titles of supreme authority. For the Father, it is because He is the only true God and King of Israel (Isaiah 44:6). For Jehoshua, it is because He is Jehovah's firstborn Son by way of baptism and resurrection and the final anointed Davidic King of Israel i.e the fulfillment of the everlasting Davidic covenant. This is why they share the same throne because they are both identified as the King of Israel. Jehovah is King of Israel by nature due to Him being the Almighty God and also adopting Israel as His firstborn son establishing a covenant relationship with them (Exodus 4:22). Jehoshua is King of Israel due to being of the seed of David (2 Samuel 7) and rightful heir to the throne from before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:18-21). Also, Jehoshua was adopted as God's only begotten Son at His baptism, being anointed as the King of Israel. Jehoshua was then made the firstborn Son at His resurrection being made higher than the kings of the earth. He was then enthroned as the King of Israel at His ascension into heaven (Hebrews 1:8-9). Jehoshua being the Alpha and Omega and first and the last can also be seen in 1st Timothy 6:15-16: 15Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;16Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. Jehovah God will show in the last day that His only begotten Son is the King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev 19:16).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
November 2021
Categories |