The Heir of All Things

 

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. (Hebrews 1:1-4 ESV).

 

It’s been a while since I’ve taken a dive into Hebrews; however, since we are beginning a study at our church in this epistle, I thought it would be interesting to return to it for our Morning Devotionals. We do not know who the author of this letter was, though many scholars think it might have been Barnabus or Apollos. In recent years some have suggested that it could have been Luke. Even if it was not Luke, we do know the writer had a firsthand relationship with the disciples who were around Jesus. It is clear that it is anchored in the teaching of the apostles.

 

It’s also unclear who the audience of this letter was or where they lived. The author, however, knows them well, and he also assumes they have a thorough knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures, especially the Torah. The author expects them to be familiar with the story of Abraham’s family, all the details of the exodus, what happened at Mount Sinai, and Israel’s journey through the wilderness. Because of this expectation, it’s most likely that this letter was written to Jewish Christians, which explains the letter’s title, “to the Hebrews.”

 

Throughout all the comparisons that make up the main body of the letter, the author has two main goals. First, he elevates Jesus as superior to anyone and anything else to show that he is worthy of total trust and devotion. Second, he challenges these believers to remain faithful to Jesus despite persecution. This is why each section includes a strong warning to not abandon Jesus.

 

The first declaration about Jesus is that he has been appointed “heir of all things.” Prophets were sent to speak to God’s people. They brought important news and teachings from God, but they were merely messengers. Now God has come and has spoken to his people directly through his Son, who is the “heir of all things.” This reference points back to Psalm 2:7-8, which says, “He said to me, ‘You are my son; today I have become your father. Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.’” In Jesus, God fulfills this amazing promise. Jesus is the heir who receives all that the Father has. Peter says that this inheritance “can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4).

 

This has great significance for us. As followers of Christ, we are adopted into God’s family as his children, and we are “co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). As co-heirs with Christ, we are set to inherit all that Christ inherits. Of course, this includes salvation from sin and eternal life with him; however, there is so much more. In the coming weeks, this will be the central theme of each devotional. My prayer for you is that you will know this great gift of God through His grace more than ever before!