Daily Bread 2010 - Hebrews 1
Daily Bread 2010 – Hebrews 1
The Son Superior to Angels
1In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
5For to which of the angels did God ever say,
"You are my Son;
today I have become your Father"? Or again,
"I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son"? 6And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him."
As we begin the book of Hebrews, the author (best guesses for authorship are Barnabas or Apollos, not Paul) begins by focusing on the all-sufficiency and supremacy of Christ. This will be a theme throughout the letter. The letter is most likely written before the Fall of the Temple (A.D. 70), as most references to the temple are in a present tense. There are also many references to the Jewish sacrificial system and how Christ has surpassed the revelation given in the OT through Abraham and Moses.
The book could be called “the book of better things” (NIV Study Bible, p.1896), as Greek words for “better” and “superior” are used 15 times. Another trademark of this book or letter (more like a sermon than letter), is the use of 8 prominent OT passages that mark specific sections of teaching.
The book of Hebrews is full many exhortations and warnings to the Jewish believers back in the 1st century. Many of these exhortations are relevant to us today as we seek to remain focused on the all-sufficiency of the Jesus, the once and for all sacrifice for our sins. There is a nice balance between this focus on Christ, and also the admonishment for how we live our lives in response to God’s grace in Christ.
As we study this book, I am sure that it will be helpful as we seek to better understand the all sufficiency of what he has done for us, and how we can respond appropriately. As we focus on Jesus, who is far superior to all the angels, our faith will be strengthened and re-invigorated!
Jesus, we thank you that you are the “author” and “perfector” of life. We thank you for revealing to us all of God’s glory through your life here on earth. We worship you knowing that you now sit at the right hand of the Father and one day we will be with you. Teach us what it means to accept these truths and live our lives as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to you our Lord and Savior, Amen.
The Son Superior to Angels
1In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
5For to which of the angels did God ever say,
"You are my Son;
today I have become your Father"? Or again,
"I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son"? 6And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him."
As we begin the book of Hebrews, the author (best guesses for authorship are Barnabas or Apollos, not Paul) begins by focusing on the all-sufficiency and supremacy of Christ. This will be a theme throughout the letter. The letter is most likely written before the Fall of the Temple (A.D. 70), as most references to the temple are in a present tense. There are also many references to the Jewish sacrificial system and how Christ has surpassed the revelation given in the OT through Abraham and Moses.
The book could be called “the book of better things” (NIV Study Bible, p.1896), as Greek words for “better” and “superior” are used 15 times. Another trademark of this book or letter (more like a sermon than letter), is the use of 8 prominent OT passages that mark specific sections of teaching.
The book of Hebrews is full many exhortations and warnings to the Jewish believers back in the 1st century. Many of these exhortations are relevant to us today as we seek to remain focused on the all-sufficiency of the Jesus, the once and for all sacrifice for our sins. There is a nice balance between this focus on Christ, and also the admonishment for how we live our lives in response to God’s grace in Christ.
As we study this book, I am sure that it will be helpful as we seek to better understand the all sufficiency of what he has done for us, and how we can respond appropriately. As we focus on Jesus, who is far superior to all the angels, our faith will be strengthened and re-invigorated!
Jesus, we thank you that you are the “author” and “perfector” of life. We thank you for revealing to us all of God’s glory through your life here on earth. We worship you knowing that you now sit at the right hand of the Father and one day we will be with you. Teach us what it means to accept these truths and live our lives as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to you our Lord and Savior, Amen.
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