Each Thursday we will take a few minutes to examine three thoughts (or bullets) from the book of Hebrews. We encourage you to read the text, and consider the bullet points. Then join us in a simple prayer.
HEBREWS 1:1-4
"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs."
Thought #1). God has something to say!
How do you encourage a group of believers who have started to wander from their faith and given up meeting together in the face of great persecution? How do you remind them of their commitment, and the call to endure? With a sermon!
As we approach the book of Hebrews it’s helpful to remember that it differs from traditional letters in the New Testament. There is no formal greeting at the start of the letter. Instead, it begins like a sermon, with the author capturing the attention of his audience through a jam-packed introduction.
In just four verses the author lays out key themes that he will continue to flesh out through the rest of the book.
i. God is communicator
ii. His word is effective
iii. His now exalted Son is the ultimate means of communication
iv. The church is the immediate recipient of that communication
“So the opening statement in Hebrews introduces us to the heart of the book as a whole: God has something to say to the church, and that message focuses preeminently in the person and work of the exalted Son.”
Thought #2). This new revelation is God’s climactic communication to humanity
The writer of Hebrews wants his audience to understand the significance of what has been revealed. In Jesus we have the final and ultimate revelation of God. There is not an infinite list of future revelations, but one final and ultimate revelation. So, to emphasize his point he contrasts the revelation of the Son with the ways God spoke to His people in the past (or under the old covenant).
The old revelation was incomplete. The people of God heard from him through: commandments, exhortations, stories, visions, dreams, mighty acts, theophanies (appearances from God), a still small voice, a burning bush etc.
But the new revelation constitutes God’s climactic communication to humanity, brought to us via God’s Son. It can be considered whole. While it will not be complete until Christ’s return, it is already final and decided. Jesus has taken his place at the right hand of God and will return to rule forever.
OLD REVELATION: In the past, to the forefathers, from the prophets, in various ways.
NEW REVELATION: In these last days, to us (the church), from his Son, in one way (Jesus).
Thought #3). This new revelation points to the supremacy of Jesus in every way
The writer of Hebrews concludes his introduction by making six affirmations about Jesus’ person, work and current status.
a. He is the heir of all things
The royal inheritance of Jesus has only been inaugurated, but it will be consummated at the end of the age. Thus, this both affirms the present and anticipates the future rule of Christ.
b. He is the agent of creation
The Son, to whom all of creation will be subjected in the end, is He through whom it originated in the beginning. (Col 1:16, John 1:3 1 Cor 8:6).
c. He is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being
This is similar to New Testament passages which speak of the “form” or “image” of God. (John 1:2, Phil 2:6, Col 1:15). The Son provides a true and trustworthy picture of the Father.
d. He is the sustainer of all things
Jesus is carrying forward the created order to its designed end.
e. He is the one who has made purification for sins
A key theme here as well as many other places in the New Testament. In his death and resurrection, Jesus made expiation for the sins of humanity and provided a way for us to live with him in Eternity. (Rev 1:17-18, Rom 3:23-25, 4:24-25, 8:34, Eph 1:7, 1 Thes 5:9)
f. He is the one who has the status of sitting at God’s right hand
An allusion from Psalm 110:1 The concept of “the right hand” represents either superior power or ultimate honour, though it also carries the derivative meanings of “greatness” or “favour.” As adapted in the New Testament, Psalm 110:1 supported Jesus’ messiahship, vindication (through resurrection and exaltation), role as judge, lordship, and his intercession on behalf of believers.
PRAYER:
Father,
You have spoken, help me to hear.
You are revealed, help me to see.
Forgive me for the ways I have neglected to acknowledge your glory and turn my eyes towards your Son once again.
Help me not to look beyond your revelation, searching in vain for some new wisdom. But anchor my soul in the bedrock-truth of who you are, what you have done, and what you will return to complete.
Amen.