The Epistle to the Hebrews started with such a strong emphasis to differentiate Jesus from the angels; we can’t help but get the drift.While it is not my nature to dwell too much on theological stuffs, Hebrews 1 sent a reminder to me that there are some things about our faith which we must know and be clear about. And this is one of them.
Jesus is God (Hebrews 1:2-4)
1. Jesus is heir of all things.
2. The world was created through Jesus.
3. Jesus is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature.
4. Jesus upholds the universe by the word of his power.
5. Jesus made purification for sins.
6. Jesus is sitting down at the right hand of God (still there, according to our concept of time and space, interceding for us. (Rom 8:34; Heb 7:25))
7. His name is more excellent than the angels’.
Jesus is different from the angels; He is more superior
1. He is the Son (Heb 1:5).
2. He is to be worshipped (Heb 1:6).
3. His throne lasts forever (Heb 1:8-9).
4. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb 1:10-12).
whereas angels are…
1. to worship Him (Heb 1:6).
2. spirits and described as a flame of fire (Heb 1:7).
3. ministering spirits sent forth to minister God’s children (us!) (Heb 1:14).
A short chapter, but we realize that if we were to delve deeper, it is not as easily digestible as we might think. Who is this Jesus? Do we really know Him as God, the Creator? Do we see Him as different from all other ‘gods’ and spirits? Do we realize that His name is more excellent than all others (cf Acts 4:12)?
As I am reading the first chapter of Hebrews today, it was also brought to my awareness how the author quoted extensively from the Old Testament Scriptures. It reminded me of how I was attracted to come and listen to the sermons spoken in True Jesus Church at the initial periods of my faith. I like how we refer ever so often to the Bible in a single sermon alone. It was something different, something refreshing, and something that we must never give up on!
The Word of God is the basis of our faith, and the core of what we speak about. If ever we deviate or rely more on worldly wisdom, we would go haywire.
Hebrews is the bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament as it has much reference to the Law and the OT Scriptures and these were used to testify for Jesus. The stage is set and Jesus is taking center stage; may we be able to learn much from the epistle to the Hebrews for the next few weeks.
2. He is to be worshipped (Heb 1:6).
3. His throne lasts forever (Heb 1:8-9).
4. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb 1:10-12).
whereas angels are…
1. to worship Him (Heb 1:6).
2. spirits and described as a flame of fire (Heb 1:7).
3. ministering spirits sent forth to minister God’s children (us!) (Heb 1:14).
A short chapter, but we realize that if we were to delve deeper, it is not as easily digestible as we might think. Who is this Jesus? Do we really know Him as God, the Creator? Do we see Him as different from all other ‘gods’ and spirits? Do we realize that His name is more excellent than all others (cf Acts 4:12)?
As I am reading the first chapter of Hebrews today, it was also brought to my awareness how the author quoted extensively from the Old Testament Scriptures. It reminded me of how I was attracted to come and listen to the sermons spoken in True Jesus Church at the initial periods of my faith. I like how we refer ever so often to the Bible in a single sermon alone. It was something different, something refreshing, and something that we must never give up on!
The Word of God is the basis of our faith, and the core of what we speak about. If ever we deviate or rely more on worldly wisdom, we would go haywire.
Hebrews is the bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament as it has much reference to the Law and the OT Scriptures and these were used to testify for Jesus. The stage is set and Jesus is taking center stage; may we be able to learn much from the epistle to the Hebrews for the next few weeks.
1 comment:
I wouldn't know how to go on this journey if I only knew of worldly wisdom. But I am glad that you shared how the Word of God was "something different, something refreshing, and something that we must never give up on!"
As you know I am a believer from young, the Bible doesn't seem to intrigue me as much as you say it did for you. In fact I often take it for granted that I know how to use a Bible; all thanks to the times I sat next to my RE teacher just for her awesome stamps, awarded after completing a page of sermon note-taking. It's something I am learning to appreciate, to be more sentimental of the words that are contained in this big old history book that I've always seem to have close by, just never open wide.
I have probably heard the story of Jesus and all about Him, but once again is never too much because often I forget. Yes-I also need to more clear about my faith.
d.
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