Sitting down can be a good thing.
I had to move some furniture around the other day and sitting became my friend. Thankfully, my friend and experienced hard worker, Randy Toney, was there to make it possible. We moved my daughter’s old bedroom furniture to the church for our yard sale. Then we moved the furniture from my mom’s guest room to my daughter’s bedroom.
After loading up the “new” furniture, we decided it was time for a lunch break at Chick-fil-A. I have never sat and eaten so slowly. I needed that sit down. In fact, I found it difficult to get back to work after sitting for lunch.
We finally unloaded and set up the furniture. I didn’t mention that we also moved a large TV to our house. Our TV from our den went to my daughter’s bedroom, and her TV went to our bedroom. So after unloading the furniture, I set up everyone’s TV and took the best shower I have ever had.
After enjoying a delicious meal at our friends, The Griffins’ house, I went on to church for a committee meeting. I finally got back home and was able to sit down…really sit down. This time, I sat because I was finished with all I had to do for the day.
Where Jesus Sat Down
Hebrews 1:3 tells us that Jesus sat down at the right hand of God. A king would only let one he deemed an equal sit at the right hand side of his throne. The position recognizes the honor the Father gave His Son.
In the preceding verses, we learn that Jesus created, sustains, and inherited all things from the Father. This world is His. Those verses teach us that Jesus is the shining evidence of all of God’s perfections. He is the exact representation of all that makes up God. All God is, Jesus reveals and represents. He is one in essence and being with the Father. God the Son sits at the right hand of the throne because He is one with God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11 reminds us that God has given Jesus both a name and position above all others. The name and position the Father gave Jesus are not honorary. They were earned. He was willing to leave His heavenly glory and become a man. Then as a man He suffered and died for our sins, in our place.
Additionally, we learn from Colossians 1:18 that Jesus is the “first born from the dead.” He died for our sins, but He rose again. He died to provide the payment for our sins, and He rose to provide a visible receipt for our sins.
Why Jesus Sat Down
He sat down because He finished His work of redemption. He continues to sustain all things and he continues interceding for us. But He finished the work of purification for sins. Nothing else is needed.
We don’t have to try to be good enough for God. No one needs something in addition to Jesus so they can have forgiveness. Sin’s debt is paid in full. All that is left is to receive His gift of grace.
Stop working to impress God. That is hard work, futile and unnecessary as well. Sit down. Jesus did. He finished the work for you. Take a load off. Enjoy His grace.