Series Introduction

I’m a sucker for travel, especially for the intrigue of other cultures. I imagine that the book of Hebrews is not a culture that any of us has often visited, though much of it has a familiar Old Testament ring. So, pack your bags for two weeks in Hebrews because, in the words of the author, this living, active… penetrating word of God has work to do. It may pierce you, lay you bare, exhilarate, assure. Pray it matures us in faith and godliness.

I highly recommend setting aside 40 minutes to listen to Hebrews (on YouVersion Bible App or Bible Gateway). Get pleasantly uncomfortable so you aren’t sleepy or distracted (I like to lie face-down on the floor). Have a notepad and pen handy for any ah-ha moments, notes or questions that come to mind as you allow the meat of God’s word to feed you.

Hebrews is a sermon – a very long one. But don’t settle into your pew just yet because it starts out not with the preacher getting up in the pulpit. It’s more like a flash mob.

Reflection:  Can you hear the flutter of flute in the cobblestone square? A lone lute, the whine of violin and groan of the baritone? They’re prophets, poets, priests and angels descanting God-speak. Distilling deity through history. You and I are there too, converging with our ancestors to hone in on heavenly words. Our attention is then drawn across the piazza to a single man. With voices more than crowded in this random mob, suddenly all heaven is heralding…the Son of God!

 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…

 Now the preacher takes over: introducing…God in the flesh: God’s son, appointed heir of all things. Who made the universe. Who, in his Father’s very image radiates his glory. Who sustains all things by his powerful word. Who provided purification for sins, and now reigns supreme with God the Father.

What an introduction! These few statements would have been and still are jaw-dropping; breathtaking. This is doctrine–our creed, our rich confession. Believers have died for this confession. Perhaps you’ve been mocked for this confession. May I (re)introduce you, brothers and sisters, to this man, our majestic Saviour and Lord.

Prayer:  I kneel in worship, as if with that crowd of ancestors, prophets, saints and angels, singing: Son of God, truly you are the creator and sustainer of the universe. Surrogate for an un-holy world – unholy me – you’re the conquering and majestic Father-Son monarch of all that is and is to come. Amen…and amen!