Pierced by the Word, John Piper. Chapter 1 “Jesus is the one being for whom self-exaltation is the most loving act.”
The God-centeredness of God, his self exalting purposes and works are clearly and constantly evident in Scripture. That God does all things for the praise of his glory is abundantly clear. Logically, it makes sense that God places infinite value on that which is infinitely valuable, that is Himself. So God is supremely and absolutely self exalting.
This does not usually sit well with us, for how can someone who is self exalting be loving? This question has already been answered thoroughly in Piper’s various books. What struck me in reading this familiar phrase, “Jesus is the one being for whom self exaltation is the most loving act,” was the notion of how intricately Jesus’ self exaltation is not just declared to be loving (because of who he is) but is actually, truly, fully, intimately, and profoundly loving. His self-exaltation manifests itself and bears the abundant fruit of its true character, infinite and beautiful love.
This connection, for me, is hard to grasp because I have no reference or model or example to see self-exaltation result in love. In me, self-exaltation is not love. It is sinful, evil and destructive. It is as far from the character of love, as I can comprehend. For man to be self-exalting is a horribly evil and unloving characteristic. The fruit of such self-exaltation in man is pride, boasting, selfishness, arrogance, oppression and vileness.
It is no wonder that we would stumble over the notion that self-exaltation (being so awful and distasteful in us) could somehow be the most wonderful, beautiful, sweet smelling, soul satisfying loving act in Jesus. Yet it is. It is in theological precept, it is in its representation in the Bible, and it is in the actual day-by-day expression and pouring forth of Christ’s love as we behold and delight in the glory of God in the face of Christ. As Jesus is exalted in my heart I receive the greatest, most joyful stirrings in my soul. There is a direct connection between Jesus opening my eyes to glimpse him in all his exalted glory and my feeling and being happy, blessed, and loved.
For me, self-exaltation would be like a sponge, absorbing and taking from others what I want, taking from them and storing it is up for myself. Jesus’ self-exaltation is like a fountain overflowing and pouring forth in waves of love. Jesus’ self-exaltation takes nothing, for it needs nothing, it only gives and gives, while I receive and receive.
O how unique is the character of Christ’s self-exaltation. How marvelous, that his self-centeredness results in perfect love. Only in Jesus (because He is perfect and without any distortion or corruption) does another’s self-exultation become our greatest pleasure and joy.
Thank you Jesus that your pleasure in being exalted, so perfectly express itself in love. Lord help me always to love your glory and savor all its manifestations of perfect love, especially when I see its ultimate expression on the cross.
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