Today I am starting to read through the book of Hebrews. This has always been one of my favorite books and one that I encourage students to read because of the admonition to make good choices and to run the race with endurance. There is some mystery surrounding the book of Hebrews because no one knows who wrote it or specifically who it was written for. However, many people believe that Paul might have written it since he wrote much of the New Testament. Hebrews is a commentary on the Old Testament that examines many Jewish customs and talks about how Jesus came to bring a better way of doing things…a new covenant. The main theme of Hebrews is superiority of Christ and the sacrifice that was made on our behalf to show us grace beyond measure.
Text: Hebrews 1 (English Standard Version)
1 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.
5
For to which of the angels did God ever say, You are my Son, today I have begotten you? Or again, I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son?
6
And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, Let all God’s angels worship him.
7
Of the angels he says, He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.
8
But of the Son he says, Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.
10
And, You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands;11 they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment,12 like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.
13
And to which of the angels has he ever said, Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet?
14
Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?
- This whole first chapter lays the foundation for the superiority of Christ.
- God used to speak through prophets and visions and other mediums, but in Hebrews 1, he tells us in that in these last days He has spoken to us through his son who is the heir of all things.
- Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory. If my goal in life is to be more Christlike…what are ways that I am demonstrating the radiance of God’s glory?
- By referring back to the Old Testament throughout the book of Hebrews, God is proving that His perfect plan that was set in motion at the creation of the Earth is finally coming to fruition.