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The Brightness Of His
Glory (Hebrews 1) (1-2) God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds. “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke” One of the great opening verses in all the Bible. God exists and He has revealed Himself to us. Now in days past God spoke through His prophets. Sometimes He spoke to them in visions and dreams and sometimes He spoke to them plainly (Numbers 12:6-8). Sometimes He spoke through burning bushes (Exodus 2) and sometimes through a still small voice (1 Kings 19). He unveiled His plan of salvation bit by bit. “First the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head.” (Mark 4:28) But now in these last days (the last days are understood by the Jews as the time when the Messiah would come. See Jeremiah 33:14-16) God has spoken to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. The prophets of old "delivered" a message; Jesus "is" the message. He is "The Word". The prophets said, "Here is the way" whereas Jesus says, "I am the Way". That’s why Jesus is greater then the prophets. He is heir over all things and the Creator through which "all things were made" (John 1). "All people, nations, and languages will serve Him," the Old Testament tells us, and "His dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, and not be destroyed." (Daniel 7:14)
“The brightness of His glory and the express image of His person” What a fantastic description! “Whoever has seem Me,” Jesus said, “has seen the Father” (John 14:9). He is the "image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15). Through Jesus we see the glory of the Father. “The glory of God shines too
bright for us to scan “Upholding all things” Jesus not only created the universe (John 1:3), He holds it together (Colossians 1:17). “By Himself purged our sins” Jesus is our Savior. Why? Because He “gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people.” (Titus 2:14) If Christ is your Lord then you are His special person. “Sat down at the right hand of the Majesty” The Old Testament teaches that the Son of God sits at the right hand of the Father. (Psalm 110:1) Sitting at the right hand is a sign of authority and power. It is the place of honor (Ephesians 1:20-21).
(4) Having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Now the subject shifts to why Jesus is greater then the angels. Why would it be necessary to explain this? - Because the Old Covenant was delivered by angels to Moses (Acts 7:53, Galatians 3:19). While the Jews might have dismiss the gospel message thinking it came from men, we’re taught that the New Covenant comes from One far above even the angels. - Angel worship was a problem for the early church (Colossians 2:18). It’s still a problem today. - There was a false teaching that claimed Jesus was an angel.
(5) For to which of the angels did He ever say: "You are My Son, today I have begotten You"? And again: "I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son"? “You are My Son” The writer begins quoting Old Testament scripture to show how Jesus is greater then the angels. He begins with the messianic prophecy of Psalm 2:7 (Compare with Psalm 89:26-27). God has never spoken to the angels in such way. ”Today I have begotten You” This was fulfilled when God “raised up Jesus” (Acts 13:33) The word “angel” means “messenger”. Like the prophets, angels are servants and deliver the messages of God. |
| (6) But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: "Let all the angels of God worship Him." “When He again” This refers to Christ’s Second Coming. His is the name “above every name. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” (Philippians 2:10-11) “Firstborn” This title does not mean that Jesus was created. He was not (John 1:1). It refers to the prominence of His position as God, the Son. “Angels of God worship Him” Angels worship whereas Jesus is the object of worship.
(7) And of the angels He says: "Who makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire." “A flame of fire” God often uses Angels to carry out judgment (See Revelation).
(8) But to the Son He says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. Again and again the writer is pointing out Christ’s position as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is not a creation - He is the Creator. He is not a servant - He is the Master.
(9) You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions." This is a quote from Psalm 45:7 “Anointed you” The Father “put all things under Jesus’ feet.” (Ephesians 1:22) “The Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father.” (John 5:22) “oil of gladness” We can rejoice because Jesus is a just judge who loves righteousness. He is the source of all joy and blessings.
(10-12) And: "You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; and they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail." Quoted from Psalm 102:25-27, Christ will one day create a new heaven and earth (Isaiah 65:17, Revelation 21:1), yet He is “the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) He is greater then His creation.
(13) But to which of the angels has He ever said: "Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool"? “Your enemies Your footstool” This is a reference to the practice of putting the feet on the necks of defeated enemies (Joshua 10:24). Christ’s defeat of those who are against Him is assured. (Revelation 20)
(14) Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? So now that we understand that Christ is above the angels. We’re told that the purpose of angels is to serve those who follow Christ. Their mission is to watch and listen for God’s instructions to help the believer. (Matthew 18:10, Psalm 34:7) For the last few verses the writer has shown us that Christ is greater then the angels because He God, He is worshiped, He commands, He judges, and He reigns over all. Yet, despite His unimaginable position, He desires a personal relationship with every one of us. That gives each of us value beyond measure. * * * * * * * If you would like to know how to have Jesus in your life click here Questions? Comments? Send them here If you are looking for a good church try looking here |