Some Bedrock

This morning I am back in the letter to the Hebrews and have been reading the first two chapters. I am not sure why, but I haven’t spent as much time in this letter as I should.  It is so rich in explaining symbolism, and how the temple model was a foreshadowing of what was to be fulfilled through Jesus.  Anyway, today I am looking at two chunks of verses, the first four from chapter one and the first four verses from chapter two.   

Hebrews 1:1-4 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.”

And - 

Hebrews 2:1-4 NIV:

[1] “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. [2] For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, [3] how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. [4] God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”

These two sets of verses are bedrocks of our faith!  They are so important for us to grasp, and lock into our minds and thoughts.  Jesus’ ministry, His words and actions, were a perfect representation of the Father.  Bill Johnson likes to say, “Jesus is perfect theology.” If we want to know what the Father is like, we must look to Jesus!  Anything in the Old Testament must be filtered through the lense of Jesus’ ministry, for He is the high-point of revelation of the Father, the Father’s words, will and action.

Secondly, we understand how superior Jesus is to everyone else, and everything else. He is superior to all created things, and as such would have been unapproachable, except that He became fully man.  By doing so, He opened a way for us to once again be in relationship with God, our Father.

The second set of verses is equally foundational, for Jesus came and proclaimed a Gospel of the present Kingdom of Heaven and then demonstrated that Gospel through signs, wonders and various miracles.  The signs point to the Father, who He is representing (See John 14:11).  

His Gospel is so much better than the Law.  His salvation is perfect, and so much greater than any righteousness attainable through the Law.  This Gospel of Grace was not just some new slightly different take on what everyone else believed and was doing, but was a radical departure.  There were no acts, or works or sacrifices to make, God had done everything required, and then offered inclusion in this mystery freely to all!   

How marvelous and wonderful this is!  The One who created the Universe, came to earth, became man and then paid for us all to be set free. He now sends His Holy Spirit to dwell with us, to empower us and give us gifts that demonstrate the truthfulness of this Gospel.

Oh Lord, we ask You to forgive us for settling for any other Gospel, any other expression of faith that limits who You are!  We ask that You would send a fresh anointing that the world might see Your glory, once again!  We pray that we might be able rightly represent You to those in need of You!

Amen and Amen!