Yesterday during worship at our church, I felt that I was being invited to reflect on the centrality of Jesus in all, to see Him as the focal point of our worship, as He is in Heaven! This morning I opened my Bible, and it turned to Hebrews 1, which has the following subtitle in my Bible "God's Final Word: His Son" Definitely a fitting continuation of the theme from yesterday. Here is all of Hebrews 1, as it is worth reflecting upon - Hebrews 1:1-14 NIV:
[1] "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, [2] 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. [3] 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. [4] So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
[5] For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father” ?
Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son” ?
[6] And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God's angels worship him.”
[7] In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.”
[8] But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. [9] You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”
[10] He also says, “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. [11] They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. [12] You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”
[13] To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet” ? [14] Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"
I often quote Hebrews 1:3, about Jesus being the exact representation of the Father's being, and while this is a critical understanding, there is so much more! The author of this letter is writing to the Hebrews and so is drawing upon their knowledge and worldview in his presentation, and begins, with what they have held as the defining characteristic of their nation, the Lord's leading and guiding of them through His prophets. Jesus is so much more than just another prophet, the whole universes was created through Him!
Secondly, in case the Hebrews, or any of us become too enamored with the angelic, thinking in some they are similar to Jesus, beings like Michael or Gabriel or the whole heavenly host, we are reminded how much greater than angels Jesus is, how superior His title and and role! Not that the angelic are bad or anything, they just don't compare at all to Jesus!
I am reminded of the picture of the heavenly throne-room given to John in Revelation 5:11-14 NIV:
[11] "Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.
[12] In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”
[13] Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”
[14] The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped."
Jesus, the Lamb of God, is He who is worshipped by every creature in heaven and on earth, under the earth and on the sea! Every thing that has ever lived or given voice worships Jesus! He is so much more than just the prophet among prophets, the great teacher, a great human, a heavenly being, He is the Son of God, and He is the reason every voice that has ever been created sings!
Oh Lord, help us to raise the level of our worship for You are worthy! Help us to join our voices to every other voice, proclaiming Your greatness and Your Glory!
Amen and Amen!
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