Greater than Angels

 

After making purification for sins, he [Jesus] 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. For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”? And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.” But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, shas anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.” And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:4-14 ESV).

 

People have been fascinated with angels since the beginning of time. This is vividly illustrated in our age of multiple streams of media. There have been many TV shows and movies that have captured viewers’ attention with fictional stories about angels and other spiritual beings. Do you remember the television series “Touched by an Angel”? It first aired in 1994 and ran through 2003. It was a touching and entertaining series that dealt with a lot of heavier issues in a sweet and tender way. Often it encouraged, inspired and gave pause to ponder. It gave viewers frequent opportunities to walk in another’s shoes, to have empathy and kindness for fellow people and the world around them. It featured a group of three angels who were dispatched from heaven to help those in need. It was a popular show. Yet it did not represent the real magnitude of the power and majesty of these heavenly beings as we see them in Scripture. In the Bible angels are powerful beings capable of anything.

 

We are not exactly sure why the book of Hebrews has a heavy emphasis on angels. There may have been some popular speculation about them back in the time when it was written. Maybe people were trying to reduce Jesus to the same level as angels. But one thing that Hebrews makes clear is that Jesus is far superior to the angels. Angels are messengers of God. Prophets also were messengers of God. But Jesus is far greater because he is God.

 

Our text says it rather simply. After reminding readers of all that Jesus is and has done, Hebrews says, “So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.” Then the rest of the chapter quotes from text after text in the Old Testament to show how much superior Jesus is. The focus of Hebrews is on Jesus. Not even the angels can compare to him.

 

Do you see the impact of this truth? Even if we could command the angels to come to our aid, we do not need their inferior support. We have the presence and power of the Creator and Sustainer of the universe; we have the relationship of the Son of God who has redeemed us and sits on the very throne of heaven as ruler over all! Jesus is all we could ever need and He is in us to do His good will!

 

 

The Sustainer 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).

 

There aren’t many people who still read “books.” With so many different electronic alternatives available many people choose to “read” differently than I. I still like to hold a book in my hands. It evokes a wonderful feeling when I can touch the cover and turn the pages. Books are more expensive to purchase than the electronic versions because of the necessary process of printing and binding. With the loss of the popularity of actual “books” we have also lost some of the rich meaning of the word used in our reading as he declares that Jesus is the one who “upholds the universe” (v. 3). That actual word means to bear or carry. It can refer to the physical act of carrying something, as well as more abstract concepts such as bearing responsibility or bringing forth results. Thus, it illustrates the image we have of Jesus holding all things together.

 

Earlier we focused on Christ as the maker of all things. And here we note that he is holding it all together. This image is powerful. In Christ all things were made, and through Christ all things are sustained and held together. God did not create all things and then leave them to sustain themselves. Through Christ, all things are being sustained and held together. This serves as a powerful reminder that God is in control. The Heidelberg Catechism helps us see how we can respond to this: “We can be patient when things go against us, thankful when things go well, and for the future we can have good confidence in our faithful God and Father that nothing in creation will separate us from his love” (Q&A 28).

 

Whenever life seems to be going out of control, we have this assurance that God is holding everything together. Find rest and peace in knowing that Christ is “sustaining all things by his powerful Word.” All things are bound together in Him for good (Romans 8:28).

 

The Perfect Imprint of God's Nature

 

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).

 

For over 2,000 years people have tried to represent how Jesus looked in various forms of art. There are some who believe the Shroud of Turin is the image of Jesus imprinted on the linen at the time of His death. The truth is found in Hebrews as the writer simply says: “[Jesus is] the exact imprint of [God’s] being” (v. 3). The Greek word translated as “imprint” in the ESV is from the Greek verb χαράσσω (charassō), meaning "to engrave" or "to inscribe." The term "charaktér" in the Greek language refers to an engraving tool or stamp, and by extension, the mark or impression made by such a tool. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to describe the exact representation or image of something, particularly in relation to the nature and essence of God as revealed in Jesus Christ.

 

In ancient Greek culture, "charaktér" was commonly used in the context of engraving and minting coins, where it denoted the precise image or likeness stamped onto a coin. This concept of an exact representation was significant in philosophical and theological discussions about the nature of divinity and the visible manifestation of the divine. In the context of the New Testament, it underscores the belief in Jesus Christ as the perfect and complete revelation of God the Father.

 

Jesus said, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).  Likewise, we’re told by the Apostle Paul, “The Son is the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15). In Jesus we can see God—and this has to do with God’s character. Jesus reveals “the exact imprint” of God’s nature. In Jesus we see that God is loving, merciful, caring, just, righteous, and more. In the actions and words of Jesus, we see God’s character. We are not waiting for another revelation of God; there is no one better than God Himself. Jesus is that God, the only God. Others who have claimed deity are merely inadequate fakes. Truth in Jesus alone!

The Radiance of God's Glory

 

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).

 

There are times when I must drive east early in the morning. It can be very difficult to see ahead without something to block the glare created by the sun. I often wear polarized sunglasses and use the visor to deflect the glare. However, even then, it is still difficult to see. I’m sure that will be even more pronounced now that I’ve had cataract surgery and lens replacement in both eyes.

 

There are other things that come with the brilliance of the sun though. Since my surgery I’ve noticed a distinct difference in the brilliance of colors and clarity in the details revealed by the beautiful, clear light radiating from the sun. However, the Sun also radiates heat, warming the earth each day as it gives light for plants and for growing food. We cannot separate the radiating light and heat from the sun; these properties always go together with sunlight for our life here on earth.

 

Similarly, we cannot separate Jesus, the Son of God, from God himself. Hebrews says, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory…” (v. 3). Think about what this means. In Jesus, the glory of God came to dwell among us, taking on our flesh and becoming one of us. The glory of God in Christ was humbled on the cross when he died to pay the price of our sin for us. Then the glory of God shone in its brilliance when Jesus rose again from the dead.

 

“The radiance of God’s glory” came for all to see. As the gospel of John explains, Jesus came to give light to everyone in the world (cf. John 1:9). Jesus came to draw us to himself, the light of the world, so that we could come out of darkness. We’ll see more about this superiority of Jesus as the writer will point us to His unmatched perfection later in this epistle. Today, think about how incredible it is that Jesus is our Savior, our brother, our friend, our healer, and our sustainer for all things! The radiance of God’s glory lives within us!

 

The Creator 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).

 

Often, I try to use short readings for the devotionals; however, sometimes this necessitates larger gaps between thoughts. Today, we return to the same reading as yesterday to emphasize a second declaration about Jesus. He was appointed heir of all things and he is the one through whom all things were created. While it might seem as if this is a mere afterthought in the writer’s mind, it is so much more than that. This is not the first time this is stated in the Scripture. This same idea is mentioned by both the Apostle John (cf. John 1:3) and the Apostle Paul (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:16). When Hebrews says that through Jesus God “made the universe,” it is saying that Jesus is over and above all things because he created it all.

 

All the Old Testament prophets pointed to Christ. When he came to live among us as truly human, he was fulfilling all that was written about him. The writer of Hebrews knew that some people were looking past Christ to the prophets and the Old Testament. Here the writer of Hebrews is describing the greatness of Christ in a few powerful statements about him. This declaration of Jesus as the creator of all things points to His divinity. He is truly God.

 

Knowing that Jesus is the maker of all things means that we can trust in him for all things. We can depend on him as the one who cares for his creation. When things in life seem to be out of control, we can trust in the sovereign power of Jesus as Lord over everything to create good from all these things on our behalf. He is the only one we can depend upon to do that. Whatever your journey looks like today, remember He can be trusted. Follow Him!

 

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!

 

A Corner of Reflection

As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. (2 Corinthians 1:18-20 ESV).

 

I have included a picture of what I think of as my “corner of reflection.” Though it is difficult to see some of the details, the Aggie chair is most prominent. Behind the chair on the display case are two icons. One is a hand painted image of Jesus as the “suffering Savior.” The taller of the icons is a hand painted image of the nativity scene. Those two images remind me of the beginning and ending of the earthly ministry of Jesus. However, there are other mementos in the display that carry other reminders, like, “Sing like no one is listening”; “Dance like no one is watching”; “Love like you have never been hurt before”; “Live like heaven begins tomorrow”; and “Today I need a little bit of coffee and a whole lot of Jesus.”

 

The Aggie chair sits beside the tree, and when people enter my house, they usually notice it quickly as they remark how typical it would be for us to have such a chair among our other furnishings. the tree and comment on it. We usually chuckle a bit at those remarks and reply how it is a steady reminder of all that is good in our lives. After all, our fifty-five years of marriage began there. These things also remind me to give thanks for the gracious gifts of God in family, friends, and ministry.

 

The Apostle Paul reflects that attitude in our reading today. He reminds us of who God is. God’s promises are sealed with the “Yes” of his love for us in Jesus. God’s “Amen” (“So be it”) is to his glory. He has affirmed us as his own, and through the Holy Spirit he has given us full, new life. There is no waffling on God’s part. God’s “Yes” is always “Yes.”

 

I hope that will be your “Wow!” thought for the day. God is completing in you what he started!