Hebrews 1:1-3
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Colossians 1:15-20
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Devotion
There has been much debate about the authorship of this letter. It is clear from the text that this author had a full understanding of Old Testament theology and gives us the clearest discussion of the Christian approach to the Old Testament. The opening verses in this letter speak to the heart of the subject matter. Two truths are revealed: the first, God; the second, that God has revealed Himself through the Son. The author of this letter makes the argument to show the superiority of the revelation of the Son of God, Jesus! It is apparent from the text that Jewish converts to Christianity were on the verge of forsaking Christ and returning to their Jewish religion.
The writer points out that just as God spoke to the nation of Israel through his prophets, now He speaks to the world through His Son. The author makes the point that Jesus is superior to all the Old Testament prophets. Jesus is the fulfillment of all that they proclaimed. Therefore, Jesus Himself gives God’s final word to mankind. Now we will see the superiority of Jesus in several bold statements.
The first statement is, “whom He (God) appointed heir of all things.” Jesus Christ is heir of all things. Whatever belongs to the Father is passed on to His Son. Second, “and through whom (Jesus) He (God) made the universe.” This clearly lines up with John’s prologue from John 1:1-3, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him (Jesus) all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.” Jesus is superior to the prophets because He has coexisted with God throughout all eternity. He was the active agent in creation.
Next, the author describes Jesus this way: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being.” Just as we cannot look directly into the sun to experience the fullness of its beauty, in the same way, we know very little about God apart from the revelation that God has given us His Son. Jesus is the brightness we see. No one has seen God, but we know about Him through Jesus Christ His Son. Jesus reveals God to us today!
Then the author declares that Jesus sustains “all things by His powerful word.” He not only is responsible for creating all things, He holds everything together! No prophet could ever make this claim. Have you ever stopped to think about the amount of power it would take to hold the universe together? Jesus who was with God in the beginning, who created the universe as we know it and who keeps it all together and running smoothly is God in human form.
The author goes on to show the purpose of Jesus coming into the world. “He (Jesus) provided purification for our sins.” This same Jesus who is the exact representation of God the Father provided cleansing or forgiveness for our sins. Through His death on the cross, Jesus provided a Way for us to be reconciled to the Father. After completing His mission, Jesus took His rightful place at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
The author clearly begins this letter by emphasizing the supremacy of Christ! He wants to make sure his readers have the proper view concerning the Divine Son of God who came into the world to reveal the redemptive nature of His Father in heaven. Jesus is and always should be the focus of our faith.
Questions to Ponder
What does Paul mean in Colossians when he writes, “so that in everything He (Jesus) might have the supremacy.”? What is the author of Hebrews communicating about Jesus in the first three verses of this letter? What practical implication does this have regarding how you live your life? What voices are capturing the attention of our world? What character qualities do you see in Christ that exemplify God’s nature? Have you grown apathetic to God’s final revelation in Christ? If so, how does this passage of scripture reorient your thinking?
Prayer Points
- Worship the Lord as Heir of all things, Creator, Sustainer, Upholder of all things, Perfect Sacrifice, Redeemer, Author and Finisher of our Faith.
- Ask forgiveness for times when you take it for granted that we can come right to God into the Holy of Holies.
- Thank Him for being the exact representation of God our Father. Thank Him for making a way for us to be born again and to fellowship with the King of Kings.
- Pray for your top 3, pray for those in your midst to come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Suggested Prayer
Holy Father,
I praise You for being our Savior and Redeemer. You hold the universe in the palm of Your hand and yet You know us by name. Thank You Lord for being our Great High Priest, thank You for being Sovereign and All Knowing. Forgive me and your people Lord for taking our eyes off of you and trying to do things in our own strength. Lord, remind us afresh today of Your fierce love, power, holiness and strength. Remind us today of Your commitment to us individually and Your church. Lead us Lord into Your truth, into Your ways. Infill us with Your Holy Spirit and cause us to overflow with Your love to those around us.
I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ, amen.