Jesus Enthroned on High - Weekday Worship
The second weekday service plan in a series on Hebrews, concentrating on the passages from Hebrews which present Christ as the one who is ascended to heaven and is enthroned at the right hand of God.
Also in this Series
Christ as the Mediator of God's Grace: A Series on Hebrews
This series of worship services explores the idea of Jesus Christ as the Great High Priest who mediates the New Covenant.
- Jesus, the Great High Priest - Sunday Worship
- Jesus, the Great High Priest - Weekday Worship
- Jesus Enthroned on High - Sunday Worship
- Jesus Enthroned on High - Weekday Worship
- The Kingdom that Cannot Be Shaken - Sunday Worship
- The Kingdom that Cannot Be Shaken - Weekday Worship
- Surrounded by a Great Cloud of Witnesses
Theme of the Service
This is the second service in this series of four from the Epistle to the Hebrews. The overall theme is "Christ as the Mediator of God's Grace." The first service focused on Jesus Christ as the Great High Priest who is the mediator of the New Covenant.
This service concentrates on the passages from Hebrews which present Christ as the one who is ascended to heaven and is enthroned at the right hand of God. These three passages are the most helpful for this theme:
Hebrews 1
Hebrews 8:1-2
Hebrews 12:2
* * * *
Prelude: "Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven" PH 478, PsH 475, RL 144, RN 53, TH 76/77, TWC 25/26, UMH 66
Greeting
The Reading of Scripture: Acts 1:1-11
Hymn: "Crown Him with Many Crowns" PH 151, PsH 410, RL 600, RN 56, SFL 181, TH 295, TWC 92, UMH 327
The Prayer for Illumination
Scripture: Psalm 24:7-10
Message: "Christ... Ascended for Our Good"
Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 49, read responsively
Hymn: "Alleluia! Sing to Jesus" PsH 406
Parting Words - Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us also lay aside every
weights and the sin that clings so closely,
and let us run with perseverance the race that is set
before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith,
who for the sake of the joy
that was set before him endured the cross,
disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at
the right hand of the throne of God.
Postlude: "Toccata in E Minor," Johann Pachelbel
For the sermon in this service, we suggest that you focus on the three passages from Hebrews that identify Jesus' present position of enthronement on High. Hebrews 1:3; 8:1-2 and 12:2 each speak this reference.
As you develop the sermon, consider that Jesus is currently enthroned in heaven because he has successfully completed the redemptive work assigned him. Chapter 1:3 says this happened "after he had provided purification for sins." Chapter 12:2 says he first "endured the cross, scorning its shame." So the enthronement of Jesus occurs only after his redemptive suffering. Exaltation follows humiliation. His enthronement speaks of his current sovereignty, but it also contains the challenge to keep our eyes fixed on him so that we will not grow weary and lose heart (see 12:2-3).
The reading from the Catechism reminds us that several additional benefits come to us through his ascension. Not only can we avoid growing weary and losing heart, but we find Christ's ministry for us in heaven includes intercession for us with the father, a guarantee of our resurrection, and the sending of the Holy Spirit to us.
Glossary of Hymnal Abbreviations:
PH The Presbyterian Hymnal (Presbyterian Church USA; Westminster/John Knox Press)
PsH The Psalter Hymnal (Christian Reformed Church; Faith Alive Christian Resources)
RL Rejoice in the Lord (Reformed Church in America; W.B. Eerdmans Publishing Company)
RN Renew! (Hope Publishing Company)
SFL Songs for LiFE (children's songbook; Faith Alive Christian Resources)
SNC Sing! A New Creation (Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Christian Reformed Church,
Reformed Church in America; Faith Alive Christian Resources)
TH Trinity Hymnal (Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Church in America;
Great Commission Publications)
TWC The Worshiping Church (Hope Publishing Company)
UMH The United Methodist Hymnal (United Methodist Publishing House)
WOV With One Voice (Augsburg Fortress)
Additional songs that fit the theme well:
"All Hail King Jesus" RN 35
"All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" PH 142, PsH 471, RL 595, RN 45, TH 296, TWC 95, UMH 154
"By the Sea of Crystal " PsH 620, TH 549
"God Has Gone Up with Shouts of Joy!" SNC 154
"Hail the Day" PsH 409, RL 331, TH 290, TWC 258, UMH 312
"He Is Exalted" RN 238, SNC 41
"In Christ Alone" copyright 2002 Thankyou Music, available through CCLI
"Jesus Shall Reign" PH 423, PsH 412, RN 296, RL 233, TH 441, TWC 745, UMH 157
"Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" PH 5, PsH 341, RL 188, RN 229, TH 193, TWC 167, UMH 626
"Lord Most High/From the Ends of the Earth" SNC 47
"Prince of Peace" copyright 1994 by Marc Imboden, available through CCLI
"Rejoice, the Lord Is King" PH 155, PsH 408, RL 596, SFL 180, TH 310, TWC 262, UMH 715
"We Exalt Thee" originally "I Exalt Thee", copyright 1977 Pete Sanchez, Jr.: admin. by Gabriel Music, Inc.
PO Box 840999, Houston TX 77284-0999
"We Will Glorify" RN 33, SFL 18, SNC 21, TWC 118
"You Are My King" copyright 1996 worshiptogether.com songs, available through CCLI