We might further illustrate his success by enume- rating the benefits which his mediation has procured : but as these constituted a part of that reward which was conferred on him, we shall wave the mention of them in this place, and proceed to consider,
II. The recompence that was awarded him for his fidelity —
Our Lord, as a servant, " had respect unto the recompence of reward :" " for the joy that was set before him he endured the cross and despised the shame." Nor was this reward withheld from him, when he had finished his work. St. Paul tells us ex- pressly, that his resurrection and consequent ascension are to be regarded in this view: " He became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross ; therefore God hath highly exalted him." Of this also the prophet spake in the words before us : " he shall be exalted, and extolled, and be very high." Whether the pro- phet meant to point out three different steps of our Lord's advancement, we cannot positively say : but his words may well bear that interpretation ; " he shall be exalted" by God to a throne of glory ; " he shall be extolled" by men with adoration and thanks- giving ; and he shall " be very high," reigning as Head over men and angels for ever and ever. In this view his advancement may be considered as immediate, progressive, final.
His immediate advancement consisted in his resur- rection from the dead, and his elevation to the right hand of the Majesty on high, according to what is said by the Apostle ; " God hath highly exalted him, and given him a 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." He, who left his glory for our good, resumed it again ; and his human nature is made to participate his glory : yes ; that very body, which endured fatigue and hunger, which was torn with scourges, and pierced with nails, which agonized in the garden, and expired on the cross, is now at the right hand of God in the