A New Revelation: The Son
October 1st, 2018 | Hebrews 1:1-4
For many people, the best way to get into a swimming pool is not gradually wading into deeper waters but just jumping right in. That is what the anonymous author of Hebrews does in the opening prologue. Without giving the name of our subject, the letter immediately launches into the Son’s superior roles, which will be developed throughout the rest of the book.
First, we are told of Christ’s prophetic role. Although God spoke previously through various prophets, now “in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (v. 2). In other words, God’s message through His Son is not the first time He has spoken to His people. It is, however, the final and definitive message, the culmination of all that God had been saying in the old covenant.
Second, we are told of Christ’s priestly role. This Son “had provided purification for sins” (v. 3). The original readers of these words would have understood the entire Israelite sacrificial system of cleansing and purification. Now, says the author, the ultimate purification of sins comes through God’s Son.
Third, we are told of Christ’s kingly role. Having accomplished His priestly role, the Son “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” (v. 3). Everyone in the ancient world knew that the right hand of the king symbolized the highest position, equal in honor and authority to the monarch himself. This divine position at the right hand of the King of
the universe belongs to the Son.
More than this, however, we are also told of Christ’s divinity. God’s Son has not only made the universe and “sustain[s] all things by his powerful word”, the book of Hebrews assures us that the Son is “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being” (v. 3).
APPLY THE WORD
Many of the themes of this month’s book are laid out in the opening prologue. As you begin the study this month, look for the ways Christ, the divine Son, is depicted as prophet, priest, and king. Also ask God to help you hear His message through the Son as you read, study, and meditate on His Word in the book of Hebrews.
PRAYER | NORTH KOREA
Earlier this year in April, three U.S. citizens, including two Christians, were released. They were held for alleged subversion, espionage and other unspecified hostile acts. Pray that this would be just the beginning of freedom work in North Korea.
Today in the Word’s Devotion is a production of Moody Global Ministries
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