Jesus, Name Above All Names

Majesty of Heaven, September 18

His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever.—Psalm 111:3 JNN 276.1

It was at the ordination of the Twelve that the first step was taken in the organization of the church that after Christ’s departure was to carry on His work on the earth. Of this ordination the record says, “He goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto Him whom He would: and they came unto Him. And He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach” (Mark 3:13, 14). JNN 276.2

Look upon the touching scene. Behold the Majesty of heaven surrounded by the Twelve whom He has chosen. He is about to set them apart for their work. By these feeble agencies, through His word and Spirit, He designs to place salvation within the reach of all. JNN 276.3

With gladness and rejoicing, God and the angels beheld this scene. The Father knew that from these persons the light of heaven would shine forth; that the words spoken by them as they witnessed for His Son, would echo from generation to generation till the close of time. JNN 276.4

The disciples were to go forth as Christ’s witnesses, to declare to the world what they had seen and heard of Him. Their office was the most important to which human beings had ever been called, second only to that of Christ Himself. They were to be workers together with God for the saving of humanity. As in the Old Testament the twelve patriarchs stood as representatives of Israel, so the twelve apostles stand as representatives of the gospel church. JNN 276.5

During His earthly ministry Christ began to break down the partition wall between Jew and Gentile, and to preach salvation to all humanity. Though He was a Jew, He mingled freely with the Samaritans, setting at naught the Pharisaic customs of the Jews with regard to this despised people. He slept under their roofs, ate at their tables, and taught in their streets. JNN 276.6

The Saviour longed to unfold to His disciples the truth regarding the breaking down of the “middle wall of partition” between Israel and the other nations—the truth that “the Gentiles should be fellow heirs” with the Jews and “partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel” (Ephesians 2:14; 3:6).—The Acts of the Apostles, 18, 19. JNN 276.7

Further Reflection: Do I fully grasp the reality that the Majesty of heaven wants to have a personal relationship with me? JNN 276.8