Hebrews 1:1-2, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 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.”
David Guzak’s commentary states, “Hebrews is basically a book that exhorts discouraged Christians to continue on strong with Jesus in light of the complete superiority of who He is and what He did for us. The revelation from Jesus Himself was unique, because not only was it purely God’s message (as was the case with every other inspired writer) but it was also God’s personality through which the message came. The personality of Paul, Peter, John, and other Biblical writers is clear in their writings. Yet in the revelation from Jesus, we see the personality of God.”
Jesus is God’s first-born Son. The first-born son in Jewish families held a place of honor and responsibility. Jewish Christians would understand the importance and superiority even above angels, as verse 6 declares, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” Studying the book of Hebrews will strengthen one’s faith in realizing words that God spoke about his Son as verse 8 states (quoting Psalm 45:6), “But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oils of joy.”
It has been challenging for me to see life from God’s perspective at times. God hates wickedness we are told in Hebrews 1 and loved righteousness. Amir Tsarfati stated this week regarding the political realm in Israel and the United States, “Tribulations make us pure and zealous. Difficulties make us stronger and resilient. And the best of all is that the further we are estranged from this world the closer we are to the moment of the rapture! Indeed-let’s remember His words and rejoice as He said: “Be of good cheer – for I have overcome the world!”
The themes taught in Hebrews are the superiority of Christ and heeding God’s Word. We listen to God speaking to us by reading His Word. If that is neglected, doubts creep in and will be the natural result. Romans 10:17 states this simple truth – faith comes from hearing God’s Word. The importance of focusing on Christ is a challenge we must keep doing every day instead of our circumstances. Our purpose is to hear what God is saying to us, through which Jesus Christ is the center and source found in His Word. The message of Hebrews is the sufficiency of Jesus Christ.
Jesus, speak to me today as I read Your Word now in studying the book of Hebrews. I need You. I am not sufficient in myself but by Your grace You will provide what I need. As I trust in You my confidence will grow; I commit my day to You.
The Message states Hebrews 1:2-3 this way, “By his Son, God created the world in the beginning, and it will all belong to the Son at the end. This Son perfectly mirrors God, and is stamped with God’s nature. He holds everything together by what he says – powerful words!”
Listen to Danny Gokey – Give Me Jesus. January 24, 2016.