The Divine Man

From: Sound Words: 1878

• 2 min. read • grade level: 8

- WE are led to look at our Lord Jesus, and through a succession of conditions we see in Him man presented to God with infinite though varied delight and satisfaction. I have, long since, traced Him in the following way, as man in all perfectness:—

1. Born.—The material, so to speak, moral and physical, is presented in Jesus, as the born one. He was a taintless sheaf of the human harvest. Man in Him was perfect as a creature (Luke 1:35³⁵And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. (Luke 1:35))

2. 'Circumcised.—Jesus, in this respect, was under the law, and He kept it, as of course, to all perfection. Man in Him was thus perfect as under law (Luke 2:17¹⁷And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. (Luke 2:17)).

3. Baptized.—In this character Jesus is been bowing to the authority of God, owning Him in His dispensations, and man in Him is perfect in all righteousness, as well as under law (Luke 3:21²¹Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, (Luke 3:21).)

4. Anointed.—As anointed, Jesus was sent forth to service and testimony. In this respect man is seen in Him perfect as a servant (Luke 3:22²²And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. (Luke 3:22).)

5. Devoted.—Jesus surrendered Himself to God, left Himself in His hand to do to His utmost will and pleasure. In Him roan was therefore perfect as a sacrifice (Luke 22:19,20¹⁹And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. ²⁰Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. (Luke 22:19‑20)).

6. Risen.-This begins a series of new conditions in which man is found. This is the first stage of the new estate. John 12:31,32³¹Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. ³²And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. (John 12:31‑32) intimates a new course in man, as here said. The corn of wheat, having fallen into the ground and died, is now capacitated to be fruitful. Man in the risen Jesus is in indefeasible life.

7. Glorified.-The risen Man, or man in indefeasible life, wears a heavenly image. The new man has a new or glorious body.

8. Reigning.-The risen and glorified Man receives, in due season, authority to execute judgment. Dominion is His. The lost sovereignty of man is regained Scripture leads us through this series of contemplations on the Son of man. And though I speak here of the Man, as before I did of the divine glory, yet I divide not the person. Throughout all, it is God manifest in the flesh " we have before us.

We need to walk softly over such ground, and not to multiply words. On so high a theme, precious to the loving, worshipping heart, we may remember what is written, " In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin." J. G. B.

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