“For You are the LORD Most High over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.” – Psalm 97:9

The notion of being ‘exalted’ carries a long history.

In relation to the gods or kings, it conveyed the idea that a deity or ruler was elevated above all others, possessing supreme power and authority to do whatever he wished.

In the Hebrew, it meant that which or he who is highly esteemed above all else.

Consequently, deities and victorious Roman emperors were often described as “exalted” to reflect their supreme status and power.

In reference to God, the term ‘exalted’ implies that the LORD is elevated above all things, transcending earthly limitations and possessing supreme honour, greatness, authority, and majesty.

God is the exalted and invincible Ruler over the entire universe.

In the original languages, “exalted” (from the Latin word ‘exaltatus’) was used to denote someone who was elevated in rank, honor, or influence, usually after conquering all the other rulers.

In Exodus 15:1, the word used for ‘exalted’ also means ‘triumphed’: “I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted [has triumphed.”]

After achieving the victory over sin, Satan and death, the Bible says; “Christ has been highly exalted, and has been given Name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

In the Old Testament, the prophets saw it coming thousands of years ahead of time.

Psalm 99:2, says; “Great is the LORD in Zion; He is exalted above all the peoples.”

“The LORD is exalted over all the nations, His glory above the heavens” (Psalm 113:4).

The prophets also foresaw the elevation of the Church above all other organisations and institutions.

“The LORD is exalted over all the nations, His glory above the heavens” – Psalm 113:4

Isaiah 2:2 says; “And it shall come to pass in the last days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.”

Biblically, both the exaltation of Christ and the exaltation of His Church are deeply interconnected, reflecting a theological relationship between Christ’s divine status and the role of the Church as His body in the world.

Essentially, the Church’s exaltation is understood in terms of its union with Christ, who is its Head.

This means that the Church shares in the benefits of Christ’s exaltation.

Through their connection with Christ, the saints are considered to be spiritually elevated.

For instance, Ephesians 2:6 says that believers are “seated with Christ in the heavenly realms.”

This indicates that in a spiritual sense, the Church shares in Christ’s triumph over all things as well as His  heavenly position and authority.

By delegating His authority to the Church to spread the Gospel and make disciples, the Lord was showing the Church’s role in continuing His mission with the same power and authority.

By living out and proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, the Church demonstrates and reflects the reality of Christ’s victory, exalted status and His supreme lordship over all creation and all the gods of the world.