Memorable Words Hebrews
Author Unknown
Hebrews 1:1-4 ESV
Colossians 1:15-17 ESV
John 1:1 ESV
John 1:14 ESV
Today we’re shifting focus to take a look at memorable words from the book of Hebrews.
Hebrews is not a book for light reading, but if you’re up for a challenge it’s well worth taking time to study it. The theology is complex and thought-provoking.
Also, it is beautifully written and is filled with descriptive language.
It is believed that the book of Hebrews was written in Hebrew and translated into Greek (possibly by Luke). After the first century the early church fathers thought the book was written by Paul, but in modern time when research was done about the language style and phrasing, that has been disputed. Currently many who research the text for style of writing list the author as unknown.
The book was written to Hebrew believers and it is filled with complex theology and doctrine. It reads like a complex sermon.
Hebrews 1:1-4 tells us, “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. 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, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.”
It’s difficult to know what to say about this one passage from the text.
The story is beautiful beyond words.
It tells of one who came as “heir of all things”. I don’t know about you but that one phrase says a thousand words.
The author tells us that God sent His Son as heir and through the Son the world was created.
The Son who came is not only radiant, He is THE radiance of the glory of God. The Son is not only like God, He IS the imprint of the nature of God.
The Son holds the universe by His word. That word IS power. It’s not ‘like’ power. It is power that is unlike any other power.
And then, at a time chosen by God, the Son purified our sin.
The Son took our sin and made it completely and utterly clean and pure.
Then the Son sat down at the right hand of the Father and heaven and earth knew He was God.
Now, Angels are powerful. In scripture Angels delivered messages from God, and Angels waged war on those who opposed God.
Angels are NOT to be taken lightly.
But the author makes it clear here that the Son is much superior to Angels.
The word ‘superior’ used here in the original Greek is kreittōn and it is an adjective that describes the nature of the Son. The word kreittōn appears 15 times in scripture so it’s not often used. It is used to describe something better, stronger, or more excellent. It is fully developed and dominant.
Similar words were written by Paul in Colossians 1:15-17 when he described the Son, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
In Colossians Paul (who we remember was professionally ‘schooled’ in Hebrew and Greek) described the Son as being before all things AND above all things.
Here Paul clearly describes the Son as being above and beyond all things.
The Son is God. Angels are powerful agents of God.
The author of Hebrews also pointed out that everything was created through the Son AND the Son holds everything together.
Remember in John 1:1 it says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.”
Then in John 1:14 we read, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.“
In the beginning the Word was with God and was God, and the Word became flesh. That’s why and how everything was created through Jesus and in Jesus. Jesus was the Word. Jesus was/is the Word, the firstborn of creation.
One of the first very valuable lessons I learned in Seminary is that scripture builds on scripture. It’s set apart and unlike other books. It’s reliable. Scripture does not contradict scripture. Scripture is a complex living puzzle that solves itself.
No other book compares to scripture.
John 1 helps us understand Colossians 1 which helps us understand Hebrews 1. Whenever I am trying to understand a specific scripture, it is scripture that unlocks the key.
Todays scripture in Hebrews 1:1-4 is a poetic rendition like a beautiful song, a very elegant descriptive song that descriptively tells us who Jesus is.
He is heir to all things. He is radiant. Through Him we see the glory of God. He is an exact imprint of nature. By His word and power He upholds the universe. He purified sin for me and for you. He sits in majesty on high.
It’s beautiful. Scripture is a beautiful living thing.
I don’t know about you, but every time I read and study scripture I am moved. I am moved by the Spirit of God. I am touched and captivated by the Word.
It changes me.
Every day.
Every time I read it I am changed.
Hebrews 1:1-4 is memorable. I read it and I am changed.
Spiritual Practice: Memorable
Think of one memorable scripture that moves and changes you.
In God, Deborah
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