AUDIO
TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to Hebrews! Hopefully you have been with us through this Journey as we continue to Dwell in the New Testament. If you're new to our Dwell series today then I want to welcome you and encourage you to join us as we walk through the rest of the New Testament every weekday for the remainder of this year. Although the author of Hebrews is not clearly known, the letter is most likely intended for the Jewish Christians who had a thorough knowledge of the Old Testament scriptures - particularly the Torah.
This is important to realize as the Jewish teachings had identified angels as delivering God’s word (Dueteronomy 33:2) and prophets as the carrier of God’s word. Hebrews 1 begins with a clear elevation of Jesus above the prophets, angels, and anyone or anything else. Let’s read about it in Hebrews 1:1-2 NIV, “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 author is saying that Jesus is superior than all of the previous ways that God has revealed himself!
Let us continue in verse 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. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.”
Did you hear that? The radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being. Another version, the English Standard Version, phrases it as the exact imprint of His nature. What an incredible distinction from the angels and prophets. As we move through Hebrews we will see warnings to not fall away and encouragements to stay faithful through persecution and hard times. These words of warning and encouragement are so applicable to the times we currently live in. The enemy wants to confuse, distract, deter and destroy any potential for us to grow in our faith and knowledge of Jesus. DO NOT be stuck in the loops of negativity and doubts. Instead choose to focus on the gift of Christ!
Fill your mornings or part of your day with the Word of God and spend time in prayer. Know that at times you may be tempted and it may be hard but you have an advocate to the father in Jesus! Hebrews 2:18 tells us: “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Continue with us further into Hebrews as it continues to encourage us that Jesus is worthy of all of our trust and devotion. That He does indeed sit at the right hand of the Majesty in Heaven.
It is a true blessing having the dwell series as a part of weekday study. It helps clarify & highlight Gods word in a powerful way. Thank you 🙏