The Age of Reconciliation 3

Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. (Deuteronomy 32:1)

Moses recognized the involvement of the heavens in what was taking place on the earth, especially with Israel.

"Give ear, O ye heavens."

God does not reveal His plan directly to the creatures of the heavens. It is through His elect on the earth that God's wisdom, His response to the rebellion, is portrayed.

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by [through] the church the manifold wisdom of God, (Ephesians 3:10)

It is evident that from the time of the rebellion God no longer trusted His angels.

Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly: (Job 4:18)

God withdrew above the heavens and counseled with Himself in order to formulate a plan that would accomplish several purposes:

A bride for the Lamb (Revelation 21:9).

A living temple for God (Ephesians 2:22).

The Body of Christ, the Servant of the Lord (Isaiah 42:1; I Corinthians 12:12).

A vehicle for the end-time revival (Isaiah 60:1,2).

People who can restore Paradise on the earth (Romans 8:21).

A royal priesthood (I Peter 2:9).

Witnesses of God (Isaiah 43:10).

Sons of God (Revelation 21:7).

Brothers of Christ (Romans 8:29).

Overcomers of the accuser (Revelation 12:11).

Governors for the saved nations (Revelation 2:26,27).

Judges of men and angels (I Corinthians 6:2,3).

A wall of defense around the Glory of God (Revelation 21:14).

The revelation of Himself—God in Christ in the saints (Revelation 3:12).

As God considered how He would reconcile His rebellious creation to Himself, He looked about to see if there was at least one personage who could be trusted to do His will faithfully, under every condition, for eternity.

He found One—the Logos, the Word, whom we know as the Lord Jesus Christ. Speaking of His Chosen One, God declared:

Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee. Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. (Psalms 45:3-7)

Who Christ's "fellows" or companions were we do not know, but it seems reasonable they would be angels of the highest rank.

God chose the Word, the Lord Jesus, to be the first of His offspring to be reconciled to Himself.

As a result, Jesus had to become flesh and endure numerous testings and tribulations.

Continued.The Age of Reconciliation 4