Long Ago, and At Many Times God Spoke

 

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).

 

I hope you had a wonderful Easter! What an incredible time of year to see the hand of God in fresh ways. It seems that is at the heart of where I want to begin with Morning Devotionals for the rest of this month. So, today we begin in the first chapter of the Book of Hebrews.

 

The author of Hebrews is unknown. He knew Timothy (cf. 13:23). He was not an eyewitness of Jesus (cf. 2:1, 3). The letter was written very early in comparison to the other books of the New Testament, probably before 70 AD. Early manuscripts bear the title “To the Hebrews,” which reflects the ancient assumption that it was written to Jewish Christians as well as Gentile Christians who previously had been drawn to the Jewish religion.

 

The theme of the letter is simply that Jesus is greater than any angel, priest, or old covenant practice. We will see the instruction that believers must not forsake the great salvation that Jesus has brought about, and that they must hold on by faith to the true rest found in Christ. The author encourages the readers to minister to others with this truth. Jesus is superior to any other revelation God may have given in the past. He writes of Jesus: “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” (v. 3). The word translated “radiance” is ἀπαύγασμα (apaugasma). It refers to Christ's eternal radiance, that is to say that His brilliance supremely reflects the effulgent glory of the Godhead. His eternal light breaks through all the darkness that keeps someone in spiritual ignorance (bondage) and thus protects us from every attack exerted by sin.

 

In Augustine’s writings against the Manichaeans, he argues that Christ, as the "brightness" of God's glory, must be equal to the Father. He notes that just as there is nothing "round about the sun but its brightness which is produced from it," there is no separation between the Father and His Son. He further highlights that through the Son, God "created the world" and that the Son "upholds the universe by the word of his power". In his Confessions, he reflects on how the whole creation is supported by this divine power. This is the Savior who has given His life for us. It underscores the great love and value He shows toward each of us. That is the strength we may draw on in our daily needs! Jesus was no mere prophet telling others what God said. He is God, telling us the good news of redemption!