Category Archives: Hebrews

Christ enthroned beneath a crown, surrounded by kneeling angels and heavenly light
Angels, Bible, Hebrews, Scripture, Worship

THE ANGELS WORSHIP HIM

HEBREWS 1:6

“And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says, ‘AND LET ALL THE ANGELS OF GOD WORSHIP HIM.’”

One day all creation will bow down in worship before the throne of Jesus. All will acknowledge Him as Lord. I have jokingly said that when I get to heaven, I will probably spend the first million years on my face before Him. To worship Him will be our main job there, so we had better get some practice in down here, don’t you think? Worship should be second nature to us as followers of Christ.

This Old Testament quotation in today’s verse has been widely debated. Some say it comes from the Septuagint translation which is the Greek translation of the Old Testament) of Psalm 97:7. Others say it comes from Deuteronomy 32:43 which also translates it as “God’s angels.” The point the writer is making is all creation will worship Him, even the angels in heaven. It is kind of like a picture we see in Revelation where all gathered around the throne singing, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, Almighty.”

ASK QUESTIONS (Command to Obey, Promise to claim, Sin to avoid, Application to make, Something new about God)

There is definitely a Command to Obey in our verse today. Just like the angels, we are commanded to worship the King of Glory. What does it mean to “worship Him”? The Greek word used here for “worship” is proskynéō “(from prós, ‘towards’ and kyneo, ‘to kiss’) – properly, to kiss the ground when prostrating before a superior; to worship, ready ‘to fall down/prostrate oneself to adore on one’s knees; (DNTT); to ‘do obeisance’ (BAGD).” (HELPS Word-studies) Some describe this word as “the kissing-ground.” That’s why I think I will be on my face for so long in heaven.

I also see an Application to make here. I have to put everything else in my life (family, home, career, money, etc) behind Jesus. He must be my first allegiance. I can only worship one thing. Jesus warns us of this when He said in Luke 16:13, “‘No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.’” This principle applies to anything you put before God.

I even believe we can point out a Sin to avoid. This is implied by the command to worship Jesus and Him alone. To put anything before the Master is sin. It is so easy to relegate Jesus to a weekend event. We go to church and sing and hear a sermon, but are we putting Him up on a shelf the rest of the week? God demands our obedience every day, every hour, every minute. Don’t let your lack of commitment lure you into a complacency about Jesus. To do so will take you down a path you may struggle to return from. Worship the King every day. Start your day in praise and end it the same way.

Lord, I give You praise and worship with the angels. You are the King of kings and Lord of lords.

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Four people, including a yellow furry character, stand at a bus stop beside a red double-decker bus.
Bible, Different, Hebrews, Holy, Messiah, Scripture, Son

THERE’S A DIFFERENCE

HEBREWS 1:5

“For to which of the angels did He ever say, ‘YOU ARE MY SON, TODAY I HAVE FATHERED YOU’? And again, ‘I WILL BE A FATHER TO HIM AND HE WILL BE A SON TO ME’?”

When my children were little, they used to watch Sesame Street. This was long before the show got woke on us. One of the regular parts of the show was “One of these things is not like the other.” Do you remember that? They would have three or four items on the screen, one of which was different than the other three. It helped children identify different objects and similar objects. That’s a great learning tool, isn’t it?

We are basically told in today’s verse that Jesus is not like the other heavenly beings. The writer quotes from Psalm 2:7 and 2 Samuel 7:14. We’ll look at those below in just a minute. These are but two of the 35 direct Old Testament quotations we will find throughout the book. In addition, there are around 30-34 allusions to the Old Testament. Whoever this writer is, we can be assured they had a keen knowledge of the Old Testament.

ASK QUESTIONS (Command to Obey, Promise to claim, Sin to avoid, Application to make, Something new about God)

There is Something new about God in this first quotation from Psalm 2:7. In this passage God is declaring that His Anointed will be the One to reign. Look at this passage in context (verses 6-8). “6‘But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain.” 7 ‘I will announce the decree of the LORD: He said to Me, “You are My Son, today I have fathered You. 8 Ask it of Me, and I will certainly give the nations as Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth as Your possession.”’” That’s our Jesus. He is the Anointed One, high above any angelic being.

In the 2 Samuel 7:14 quotation the writer uses God’s covenant with David to point to Jesus. He was in the line of David, was He not? He is the Lion of Judah, right? Here too we see Something new about God. We know Jesus existed long before David came on his throne. But because of this covenant with David, God used his lineage to bring forth the Messiah. No angel was chosen for this task. Only His Son could provide the sacrifice.

Let me ask you a question. Do you stand out from the crowd because of your faith? Would anyone be able to pick you out of the mass of humanity as someone who walks with Jesus daily? We are in the world but not of it. If we appeared in that segment on Sesame Street, what would distinguish us from others? Carry Jesus with you everywhere you go and let Him show others you are different.

Thank You, God, for making me a new creation. My old self has fallen away. I want to stand out in the crowd for my faith.

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Notebook reading “Baby Names We Love:” with boys’ and girls’ names, hearts, stars, and crossed-out entries.
Bible, Excellence, Hebrews, Names, Praise, Scripture, Son

A MORE EXCELLENT NAME

HEBREWS 1:4

“having become so much better than the angels, to the extent that He has inherited a more excellent name than they.”

Names are important. What you decide to name your children will be with them the rest of their lives unless they decide to change it. When my wife and I named our children, we had a list of a few we liked but eventually settled on Christopher Carl and Casey Christine. They both carry our names. I was named for my two grandfathers whom I never met. They both died before I was born. But I am proud to carry their names.

In verse 4 we are told that Jesus had a more excellent name than the angels in that He was the Son of God. No angel could claim that name. There was only one Son – Jesus. Albert Barnes says the name Son “is a more honorable and exalted name than has ever been bestowed on them. It involves more exalted privileges and entitles Him on whom it is bestowed to higher respect and honor than any name ever bestowed on them.”

ASK QUESTIONS (Command to Obey, Promise to claim, Sin to avoid, Application to make, Something new about God)

The only Ask Question I see in today’s verse in Something new about God. I realized that the name given to Jesus (Son of God) is so much more than just a name. It carries with it power and authority that no created being (angels or mankind) could ever hope to attain. Don’t forget what happened to the angel who dared to try to make himself equal to God. Lucifer will forever burn one day in the lake of fire.

The Topical Lexicon says this about the term “more excellent,” “The adjective underscores an infinite gap between created spirits and the incarnate Lord. His ‘more excellent’ name embodies His eternal deity (Psalm 2:7), messianic kingship (2 Samuel 7:14), and saving authority (Matthew 28:18). By employing the term, the author affirms that no celestial being shares Christ’s redemptive prerogatives, thereby closing the door on any form of angel-veneration.”

What is the name you use to call on Jesus? He is God’s only begotten Son, the Son of God, the Son of Man, the Light of the world, our High Priest, our Advocate, our Savior and Redeemer and our soon and coming King. Let me encourage you today to do a deep dive into the names of Jesus throughout Scripture. One of my favorites is not even in Scripture. He was Mary’s baby! And now we are His children. Hallelujah to the One with the most excellent name.

Lord, Your Son has so many names and titles, but You call Him Son.

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Fresco of Christ and God the Father with the Holy Spirit
Application, Bible, Glory, Hebrews, Majesty, Promises, Sacrifice, Scripture

DONE WITH THAT

HEBREWS 1:3

“And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”

As I write this devotion I have just sat down from a long day that began at 6 a.m. It’s been a 13 hour day. Whew! But I am now sitting in my recliner upstairs doing some writing and relaxing. I love my recliner. I have taken quite a few naps in this thing. It is my place of refuge after a long day. When I plop down my wife knows I am done, I have finished for the day. No more chores for me today.

The writer of Hebrews goes on in today’s verse to describe Jesus as “the radiance of His glory.” He is just like the Father in nature and power. Then the writer tells us what He did for us. “He made purification of sins.” That’s important! His divine blood was the perfect sacrifice to cleanse us eternally. But I want to focus today on the last phrase of the verse – “He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Jesus was done. He didn’t have a recliner like me, but His throne is just as comfortable. After all, He is sitting there for eternity.

ASK QUESTIONS (Command to Obey, Promise to claim, Sin to avoid, Application to make, Something new about God)

In today’s verse we obviously see a promise to claim. His sacrifice paid the price for our salvation. That salvation is a promise He has made to us once we believe in His name and receive Him as our Lord and Savior (John 1:12). What a promise! Is there a greater promise than that? If you know of one, let me know. And this promise was made to everyone who chooses to follow Him. Hallelujah!

There’s another promise – He sat down next to the Father. Do you understand the significance of that? In Psalms 110:1 we read, “The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.’” Christ’s position next to the Father symbolizes power and authority. He had done what the Father had asked of Him. He came to earth and died for mankind. Now He is highly exalted, being one with the Father. This act of sitting promises us that no other work is required of Him or us. He has finished it all.

I believe there is also an application to make in our verse. We need to take the time to reflect on His majesty more often. We need to lift praise to Him in song, making melody in our hearts to the Lord. We need to live like we believe in what He has done for us. Can we do that today? I know He would be pleased.

Lord, I thank You for the finished work of Christ and for His sacrifice for me.

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Bearded robed man holding a staff addresses people at sunset
Appointed, Bible, Creator, Hebrews, Heirs, Promises, Scripture, Words

A NEW SPOKESMAN

HEBREWS 1:2

“in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom He also made the world.”

I love to hear a good story told by someone who lived through the event. I’ve known some veterans who survived some horrific battles in World War II, the Vietnam War or the Iraq War. Their stories hold more meaning because they are telling it from a first person account. They knew exactly what happened. You can hear it in their voice. And almost every one of them give God the credit for bringing them home.

Jesus is the One Who tells the story of grace because it is a first person account for Him. He is the giver of grace through His Father. He has the authority given to Him by His Father. That was evident from the moment of creation. We are told that nothing exists that did not come from Him. That is why He can tell the story so well. Let’s look at why.

ASK QUESTIONS (Command to Obey, Promise to claim, Sin to avoid, Application to make, Something new about God)

In today’s verse I can see a promise to claim clearly in the first phrase, “in these last days has spoken to us in His Son.” His words were the Father’s words. Five times in the gospel of John, Jesus as much. In John 12:49-50 we read, “‘49For I did not speak on My own, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.’” Again in John 8:28: “So Jesus said to them, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.’” Other references include John 7:16; 8:26 and 14:10.

I also see something new about God. The writer says Jesus was “appointed heir of all things.” Who appointed Him? The same person Whose words He spoke – the Father. That word “appointed” is tithémi which literally means to place, to set, to appoint or to establish. It’s an Aorist Indicative Active verb (I know that just blessed your heart, lol). That means it was a fact it happened and God did the appointing. All that is belongs to Him and He still chose to come and tell God’s story of His love for us.

Have you stopped lately to thank the Lord for making such a sacrifice? He gave up heaven to come to earth to be treated so poorly. All He did while He was here was love people and tell them how much the Father loved them. He knew His purpose for coming meant a cruel death on a cross. He gave it all for you and me. Give Him praise today. Thank Him for His story telling. It changed the world.

Father God, I praise You and Your Son, Jesus, for the love story You have written on my heart.

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Person praying alone in a sunlit autumn forest
Bible, Hebrews, Scripture, Speaking, Words

ONCE UPON A TIME

HEBREWS 1:1

“God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,”

Okay, let’s get the elephant out of the room. No one really knows who wrote this book. Church tradition says Paul wrote it. I tend to agree with that. However, many others say it could have been Barnabas or Luke or Clement of Rome or even Apollos. We won’t know the true author until we get to heaven unless God drops us a note from heaven. The point is this is the Word of God and is inspired by the same Holy Spirit. Women say it is proof that men should always make the coffee – He-brews! Lol.

The author begins by stating the fact that God has spoken to mankind for a long time. It’s kind of like beginning a story by saying, “Once upon a time.” Look at the word “spoke.” This is the Greek word laleo. It literally means to talk audible words. But when applied to God, it refers to His “divine self-disclosure.” (Topical Lexicon) God has always wanted to communicate with mankind, beginning way back in the Garden when He conversed with Adam directly. He is still speaking to us today. We just have to listen.

ASK QUESTIONS

I am going to employ a different method in our study of Hebrews. It is the method we teach in Every Man A Warrior to help men develop the skill of studying the word. So, I will be asking some questions of each verse. Is there a command to obey? Is there a promise to claim? Is there a sin to avoid? Is there an application to make? Is there something new about God? Every verse will not answer all these questions, but they will all have at least one of these. Let’s apply those questions to verse 1.

I plainly see a promise to claim in today’s verse. It says, “He spoke long ago.” Isn’t that a promise you want answered? If God spoke to people in past days, don’t you think He still wants to speak to us? Why don’t we hear God speaking? We have way too many distractions. Between our cellphones, tv and the pace of life, we do not pause long enough to hear Him.

I see an application to make. He spoke “in many portions and in many ways.” Barnes says, “It was not all in one mode. He had employed various methods in communicating his will. At one time it was by direct communication, at another by dreams, at another by visions, etc.” I cannot put God in a box and expect Him to only speak through one source. I know He speaks through His Word. That’s clear. But He can also speak through a song, a person, creation or any other way He chooses to speak. I don’t expect to hear a booming voice from heaven, but He could speak that way if He chose.

Ask yourself today if you are really listening for His voice. Tune your ears to His frequency. Get alone with God and listen. I mean really listen. I pray you hear Him loud and clear. And when you do hear Him, do what He says. Amen? Amen!

O Lord, speak! I want to hear Your voice. I will do as You ask.

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