THE GATES OF HEAVEN OPENED

One of the most astounding and glorious occurrences recorded in the scriptures and witnessed in history is the incarnation of the Eternal SON of GOD. Though HE is revealed as that SON who was with the FATHER and the SPIRIT in eternity, yet it pleased HIM to manifest HIS taking upon HIMSELF flesh and blood in the time realm where all of HIS creation dwells. Paul says it like this, “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Phi 2:6-8)

Some believe that HE had appeared in a fleshly form prior to this event. This seems somewhat likely when we contemplate HIS visit with Abraham in Genesis 18 and then HIS destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah along with HIS rescue of Lot in chapter 19. Perhaps Melchizedek was also such an appearing. And then we are confronted with Nebuchadnezzar’s vision of “one like the SON of GOD” walking with the three Hebrew lads in the fiery furnace in Daniel chapter 3.

In these appearances HE did not reveal HIMSELF in humility nor did HE subject HIMSELF to the death of the cross. It was only in that hour when the angels heralded HIS birth in a lowly manger that we see HIM made “in the form of a servant”. It is here in this incarnation that all of the creation looked on with marvel. The angels of heaven who had since their creation seen HIM display HIS glory, majesty and power now looked on as the ANCIENT of DAYS suckled at HIS human mother’s breast as they had no doubt witnessed untold numbers of other human infants do.

These same angels who had witnessed the swiftness of HIS justice as HE had cast Satan from heaven and reserved the non-elect angels in everlasting chains awaiting destruction, and had already destroyed the whole human race except for eight souls, now behold this same Terrible and Awful GOD making HIMSELF in flesh and blood as a weak infant of only a span. Is it any wonder that Peter writes, that this gospel which has been delivered unto us is that which “the angels desire to look into.” (1Peter 1:12)

HE who had a “reputation” laid it aside. That HEAD which once held a glittering crown of glory and majesty now is stooped under the dews of humility and HE walks among men with no beauty that any man should envy HIM of and has not even a place to lay HIS head. HE came into this world to demonstrate that no man can be delivered by the power of the flesh. So HE clothed HIMSELF in the weakness and frailty of human flesh that HE might demonstrate that “the salvation of the RIGHTEOUS is of the LORD.” (Ps.37:39)

Now we are certain that HIS humiliation was only temporary insofar as men consider the passing of time, but the fact that HE alone is eternal has enabled HIM to fulfil all righteousness which that Law that HE had designed and set in order, had demanded of HIS elect bride who HE had willingly submitted unto it.

As a servant HE bowed beneath the awful load of guilt which was heaped upon HIM as the sins of all of HIS people were imputed to HIM. The Law demanded the death of the sinner and though HE knew no sin, yet HE became sin for us and humbled HIMSELF under its curse. HE bore that awful burden and even endured a fate worse than death as HE experienced HIS FATHER turn HIS face away from HIM lest HE look upon sin, as our sin ate away at HIS vitals and HIS soul was poured out like wax. O wonder of all wonders the SON of the LIVING GOD has died for sinners, HE has been humiliated in their behalf. HE has become an outcast, even as the offscouring of the earth. No man helped HIM, none stood with HIM, all of those who pledged their allegiance fled like dogs in the hour of HIS greatest trial.

Ah, but wait, this ONE who hangs there in ignominy and shame is no mere man, though a real man, this ONE is that LION of the tribe of Judah. HE is that ONE who comes from Edom with dyed garments from Bozrah, this is HE who is traveling in the greatness of HIS strength, (though men have viewed it as weakness) who has not only dyed HIS garments red with HIS own blood but has triumphed over all of HIS and HIS people’s enemies. HE has made a show of them openly. HIS own mighty arm has brought salvation and HE has unleashed HIS fury against all that would ever seek to condemn that precious bride whose salvation HE has undertook and accomplished. HE is indeed that ONE who is mighty to save.

But yet as HIS disciples take HIS torn and lifeless body from that tree and prepare it for burial in a darksome tomb there is no rejoicing among them, nor is there any in the courts of heaven as those angels look on in dumbfounded dismay that such a thing has occurred. How can this be happening? The ONE who stretched out the heavens as a curtain now lies silent and cold in a dark and cold tomb and a stone is rolled over its opening hiding HIM from view.

Three days and three nights which must have seemed an eternity to them and was indeed the darkest of times for those disciples who were certain that HE was the MESSIAH who would lead them out of Roman oppression. This ONE in whom all of their confidence was placed is in their minds, now, a victim rather than a VICTOR.

Little do they realize that HE who said HE was the RESURRECTION and the LIFE would prove it for all the creation to witness on the third day as HE broke the surly bonds of death and arose a VICTOR from the dark domain manifesting HIS triumph over sin, death, and hell.

Once again, the disciples are abuzz with anticipation as one by one the news comes to them that HE is indeed risen from the grave. HE appears to them and their hearts burn each time HE speaks to them and then again, a very unexpected event occurs which leaves them wondering and speechless. Surely the LORD will now at this time restore the kingdom to Israel, but no, suddenly and without warning, HE is taken from them into the heavens leaving them completely overwhelmed. No doubt those angels which spoke to them were of that heavenly contingent which accompanied HIS ascendancy back to that Throne which HE had vacated for a season.

O see there “The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place. Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.” (Psa 68:17-18) Lift up your heads O ye gates and the KING of GLORY shall come in. Who is this KING of GLORY, the LORD strong and mighty, HE is the KING of GLORY. Let the returning triumphant KING enter that fair city with the spoils of war! Hallelujah for the LORD GOD omnipotent reigneth.!