Hebrews 1

Greetings,

After many months of whipping through smaller books, I decided to tackle a big chunk. It was between Hebrews and 2 Corinthians. I'd love to say there was some incredible deduction that led me to Hebrews, but I feel like I just landed there. This is a life study; I intend to keep on going as long as it takes (now I'm suddenly curious how many chapters there are in the Bible...). And by then it will be time to start over.

So, here we are in Hebrews. I actually did a search online for a list of 13-letter words to use as the framework for the outline (Hebrews has 13 chapters), but didn't pursue that. I settled on a phrase that counts out to 13 letters; 'Son is Mediator'. From my pre-study, I determined this would be an adequate foundation to begin the outline. (frankly, I wanted to start with an 's' because I had an idea what the first chapter would be).

The outline theme for Chapter 1 is Supremacy over all things, Supremacy over angels.

The memory passage is
Hebrews 1:1-3, 4

¹Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, ²but 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. ³He 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, ⁴having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

The very first words of this chapter set the stage for the entire opening argument. The author of Hebrews (who is not named and not certainly known; I will probably just say 'the author' from now on....or TAH :) Begins with a reach into the past. God spoke to our fathers (this is written to a Jewish audience) through the prophets. But now, in this age, He has spoken through His Son; the Heir of all things, the Creator of the world, the radiance of the glory of God, the exact imprint of His nature, and the sustainer of the universe. He is the Savior and Redeemer of man and is now seated in authority at the right hand of God.

Wow.

The author makes one thing certain; Jesus is the eternal Christ and Messiah.

Then in verse 4, as if responding to some specific issue among the readers, the author contrasts the Son with the angels. The author quotes 7 different OT passages to prove the superiority of the Son over the angels. (this is my summary)

He is superior in name
He is superior in Sonship
He is superior in worth (due worship)
He is superior in role (angels are the wind and fire; Christ rules the elements)
He is superior in rule
He is superior in origin (eternal)
He is superior in authority (seated at the right hand of God, commands the ministering spirits)

The author uses very descriptive language and a wealth of OT input to clearly elevate the position of the Son Christ over the angels (and everyone else). He is lifted high in nature, role, and authority.

How does this affect my worship?
One could write unending songs of praise, worship, and adoration using only the first three verses of Hebrews 1. He is worthy of all glory, honor and praise. He is highly exalted in name and role. He is Son, Savior, and Sovereign. He is worthy.

How does this affect my discipleship?
It's interesting how the author just digs right in to this issue about the angels. Before anything else, he corrects a false belief and establishes the truth of Christ. While my disciple-making should be Biblical, Intentional, Relational, Sustainable, and Reproducible, I also must make room to pause and correct whatever false teaching may creep in. It has happened a few times (with a book or a movie, etc) in which we needed to step away from 'the study' and reset the foundation of or faith and belief. This was a good reminder.

May you walk in the light of the Son,

Ethan