MONDAY, AUGUST 12TH 2024
HE’S ALREADY “LIFTED”
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die (John 12:32-33).
PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME
Sometimes, Christians sing certain hymns or songs that don’t make spiritual sense. For example, some think they’re praising the Lord when they sing, "We lift Jesus higher” or “We lift Him up!" You might say, “But Pastor Chris, what’s wrong with that? Why can’t we lift Him up?”
First, He’s already in the highest and most exalted place in the heavenly realms; so, where else do you want to lift Him to? Secondly, if your inspiration to “lift Him up” or “lift Him higher” is coming from what He said in John 12:28-33, then you’ve completely misunderstood the context.
In those verses, the Lord spoke about the judgment of the world and the casting out of the prince of this world. Then in verse 32, He said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” The very next verse 33 captures exactly what He meant by that statement. It says, “This he said, signifying what death he should die.”
When Jesus spoke of being "lifted up," He was referring to His crucifixion, not exaltation. Therefore, singing such hymns may inadvertently imply a call for Jesus to be crucified again, which goes against the very essence of the Faith.
Even if the lyrics suggest exalting Jesus to draw people to Him, such an interpretation overlooks the context of Jesus' statement. It's essential for you to study and know the Scriptures for yourself to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word. You can read the same verses in the Amplified Classic version, which says, “And I, if and when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw and attract all men [Gentiles as well as Jews] to Myself. He said this to signify in what manner He would die” (John 12:32-33 AMPC).
2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Studying the Word will help you know the right songs to sing in worship so you can praise the Lord in Spirit and in truth as He demands. Without proper knowledge, many walk on in ignorance and misunderstand the true message of the Bible. Therefore, diligently seek and pursue the knowledge of God by studying the Scriptures.
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for the insight and understanding that I receive from your Word. Thank you for flooding my spirit with light to know and walk in the truth of your Word, rightly applying the Word to my life and circumstances, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
John 12:28-33; Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. 29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. 30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. 31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. 32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.
2 Timothy 2:15 AMPC; Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Romans 14:1-23; Romans 15:1-4; Psalms 90-93
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Philippians 2:1-11; Isaiah 63
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