0726 THE GOD WHO SPEAKS

JULY 26 = HEBREWS 1

THE GOD WHO SPEAKS

The letters written by the apostle Paul to various people and churches are organized in our New Testaments from longest to shortest, Romans to Philemon, a total of thirteen books. Then there are several “general epistles,” for which we know the author, but the recipient seems to be the church in general. So these letters bear the names of their authors—James, Jude, John and so forth. 

The exception to all of these is this letter, the one commonly called “Hebrews.” Neither the author nor the receiver is specifically mentioned, though it is clear from the start that the author is addressing Jewish believers throughout the country of Italy, to strengthen their faith in the Messiah, Jesus Christ, as the fulfillment of God’s plan from the beginning.

Many scholars believe that Paul wrote the book of Hebrews. Indeed, much of the vocabulary, logic and style is consistent with Paul’s other letters, even though he is called to be an apostle to the Gentiles. But as he often says, his heart has always been for Israel to be saved. So without introduction, he launches into his long-thought-out letter to the Hebrews.

Here is how the author opens:

“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. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.”

Notice the position of Jesus in these verses: he is called “his Son,” “heir of all things,” “made the universe,” “radiance of God’s glory,” “exact representation of his being,” “sustaining all things by his powerful word,” “made purification for sins,” “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven,” “became superior to the angels,” as his name “is superior to theirs.”

Oh, that we in our generation would grasp the magnitude of the person of Jesus! This chapter is only one of the explanations of how astounding it could be that God, the Creator and sustainer of all, would become human, and worthy of such accolades and more!

But there’s more to the story than just the position of Jesus above all. The author says, “In the past God spoke … at many times and in various ways.” From Adam in the Garden and Noah in the flood, Moses in the bush and Daniel in the dream. From prophets who loved and served him (Samuel) to those who spoke his word for dishonest gain (Balaam), and those who were afraid (Gideon). He called Abraham from his family, inspired kings who were after his heart (David), and even spoke to foreigners who did not know him (Nebuchadnezzar, Pilate’s wife, the magi). 

Yet, in these last days—we are still in these last days, you know—he has chosen to speak to us through his son. In Jesus an entire generation saw an exact representation of his being, missed his message, had him crucified, and yet God showed himself to be the great forgiver and atoning sacrifice for all. After he was raised and ascended, his name became superior to the angels (who are pretty impressive to mere mortal humans. Just look at every time they try to talk to one of us!)

So the book of Hebrews is going to tell Jewish people about their Messiah. It’s quite a story! Let’s learn it together! Amen.