In the Bible’s original Greek language, the word ‘exalted’ is translated as HyperAirō, which speaks of being raised up, enlarged, made great, or lifted up. This word ‘exalted’ is used nearly two hundred times in both the Old and New Testament, in association with God’s name, as well as in reference to the righteous. The overall message of the Bible is that ‘exalted’ is a direct connection to God, who is most certainly the Cause of all things.
Scripture teaches us that God is the Great Exalter, the One who is high and lifted up. The psalmist declares God’s exaltation in Psalm 99:2: “The Lord is great in Zion, and he is exalted above all the people.” God is above everyone and everything and is higher than the most powerful rulers, kings, and rulers in the world. He is sovereign and all power, authority, and honor and glory rest in him. The Bible makes it clear that God alone can exalt the humble and He alone can exalt the wicked.
In the case of the righteous, the practice of God exalting the righteous is encouraged in Proverbs 3:34–35, when it says “He mocks proud scoffers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed. The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame.” This same principle is again repeated in the New Testament in James 4:10, “Humble yourselves out before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” It declares that the humble will be rewarded by God with respect and honor, while those who exalt themselves will suffer shame and humiliation.
The Bible also speaks of how God will judge the proud and exalt the humble. In Isaiah 2:17, we read God’s promise to “…punish the proud and reward the humble.” As the Word of God states, those who exalt themselves will one day be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted, for the Lord is the one who exalts his own. In Matthew 23:12 Jesus said, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, And he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
The Value Of Humility in Serving God
The Bible, throughout its teachings, highlights the importance of humility in all matters leading to serving God. Humility is defined as an attitude of selflessness, respect, and surrender to God’s will and plan for our lives. It is an attitude of respect for God, for others, and for oneself. One of the most profound biblical examples of humility was demonstrated by Jesus Christ himself as He washed the feet of His disciples at the Last Supper.
The Bible speaks of many examples of humility being rewarded by God. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God commands us to humble ourselves, His children, and then promises that He will exalt us if we do so. And in Luke 14:11, Jesus speaks of how those who humble themselves will be the first to be reached by God when He extends His hand of blessing, in comparison with those who exalt themselves, who will be the last to receive His blessing.
Humble Mortal Man
The Bible teaches us that as men, we are mortal, meaning that we are limited by our own mortality. While the Bible speaks of God’s exaltation at every turn, it is also clear that God does not approve of the way man exalts himself above all else. Man is not meant to exalt himself above God or anything else, for God alone is to be exalted. Furthermore, man is to avoid thinking too highly of himself.
The Bible is full of warnings against such behavior, but its teaching on this matter is perhaps best summed up in 1 Peter 5:6, which reads, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” This passage serves as a reminder of our limitations as mortals and of our need to remain humble so that we may receive God’s exaltation.
Exaltation As A Goal
The Bible encourages its readers to exalt God in all they do. We are urged by the Word of truth to exalt our Heavenly Father through our words, actions, and service. We are also to approach our relationships with one another in humility, recognizing that before God we are equals and that only He is to be exalted.
In essence, the Bible calls believers to consider exaltation as a goal. We are instructed to exalt God in thought, word, and deed, and to strive for righteousness, for it is the righteous that He rewards with honor, praise, and exaltation. We are also urged to be humble, for He will exalt those who humble themselves before Him.
Exalt God Alone
The Bible speaks loudly against the practice of exalting anyone or anything other than God. It is clear in scripture that when it comes to exaltation, God alone is to be exalted and that any attempt to exalt man instead is a form of idolatry.
Christians are urged to serve God wholeheartedly, giving Him the glory, honor, and praise that He alone is to receive. Appreciation and reverence are to be reserved only for Him and any attempt to exalt someone or something else is in direct violation of His word.
Seeking Exaltation From God
The Bible encourages us all to seek exaltation from God. We are to exalt Him in our words, in our actions, and in our service. We are to humble ourselves before Him and seek His will for our lives. We are to recognize His greatness and to serve Him faithfully, and then if He chooses, He will exalt us in His own due time.
Exalted faith is faith that focuses solely on God, trusting unreservedly in His ability to exalt us and sustain us. It is faith in His power and faith that whatever path He leads us down, that it is the best path for us to take. It is a faith that rests in knowing that He will exalt us if we place our trust and our lives in His hands.
The Rewards of Exaltation By God
The rewards of being exalted by God are many. The Bible speaks of Him pouring out His blessing upon the righteous and of Him rewarding them with honor and respect. He gives wisdom, understanding, revelation, and knowledge to those who seek Him and obey His commands. He bestows favor on the humble and discretion on the wise. He gives us strength, peace, and joy in times of trouble, and He gives us wisdom and discernment in times of uncertainty.
God’s exaltation brings us closer to Him by teaching us how to live a life that glorifies Him. When we are exalted by Him, we become a radiant reflection of His glory and an example that others can follow. He gives us a humble spirit and restores dignity, confidence, and pride in all we do. His exaltation brings us out of the darkness and into the light, giving us a sense of purpose and renewed faith. His exaltation is the best reward of all.
When Others Are Exalted
When others are exalted, we are to celebrate with them, in a godly manner, and to give them honor and respect. The Bible teaches us to be humble and gentle, to rejoice in each other’s successes, and to give each person their due. We are to show kindness and respect for those that have been elevated and use this as an opportunity to glorify God. We are also to practice humility, knowing that none of us can exalt ourselves but that only the Lord can exalt the righteous.
We are reminded by scripture to rejoice in all the Lord does for us and others, both in exaltation and in humility. We are to remember that it is His will and His plans that should be sought out over all else, and that it is Him we should be seeking after, not ourselves.
Using Exaltation As A Platform For Evangelism
The Bible challenges us to use the platforms of exaltation given to us by God as opportunities to further spread His Word and the Gospel. When we are exalted in any area of life, we are to use that platform to tell the world the Good News. We are to refrain from using exaltation as a podium for pride or personal self-developments and instead, to use it to share Truth with the lost.
In Matthew 5 is the famous Beatitude account, where Jesus challenges us to “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” This challenge involves using the power and influence that God has blessed us with to share the Gospel and to witness on His behalf. God can use us to exalt Him, whether through a platform of personal achievements, public honors, or any other blessings.
Conclusion
The Bible teaches us that God is both the Exalter and the one who humbles. He is the one that exalts the righteous and humbles the wicked. We are not to exalt ourselves above God or anything else, for He alone is to be exalted. We are commanded to seek exaltation from Him, to work hard to glorify Him, and to humbly accept His exaltation if He should choose to bestow it upon us. We are also to be kind and respectful of those who have been exalted and use it as an opportunity to further witness God’s grace and mercy. Exaltation is something that should never be taken for granted, for it is a reward from God, and only He can exalt the righteous.
