Higher than the Heavens

For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who
is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners,
and has become higher than the heavens;
Hebrews 7:26

Astronomy as a science has greatly developed since the time the New Testament was written. Back then, nothing was known about galaxies, quasars, or black holes, so everything was based on what could be seen with the unaided eye.

First-century conventional wisdom divided all that is celestial into three levels. The first heaven included everything within the earth’s atmosphere. Clouds, mountain tops, and the realm of birds all fell within this level.

Beyond that was the second heaven. This included the sun, moon, and stars. Technically, it would have been the visible stars of the night sky, but the category would also include everything else that could be seen with a telescope.

Above the known universe, one could encounter the third heaven, which is the throne of God (2 Corinthians 12:2). Both the Apostles John and Paul were elevated to that level, either in a vision or teleportation (they weren’t really sure how they got there). In any case, they were overwhelmed by the reality of its existence.

The Lord Jesus Christ is Higher than the Heavens. The position of Christ is exalted, elevated, and superior to everything else in both the known and unknown universes, in outer space, and even the throne of God.

It’s hard, if not impossible, to go past the limits of human knowledge and imagination, yet that’s where believers are called to spend eternity. They – and we – will enter the third heaven and gaze upward at the Savior who is Higher than the Heavens.

 February 17