14 day plan

Hebrews: Better, Best

Day 2 of 14

NIV

Hebrews 1:4

4So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? (Hebrews 2:2-3a)

Reflection

With that majestic introduction who wouldn’t stick around?! Who wouldn’t pause in the hurry of today and lean into this phenomenal God-man? But this preacher knows his crowd. He’s walked in their shoes and knows their distractions: the struggles to stick with it; the everyday fads; the tug of lazy disbelief; and frankly, that old habits die hard.

When did you last think about angels? Angels are probably not a big distraction to you. But they were to this audience. And the preacher cleverly launches into his sermon by appealing to that craze. “Angels? Pfhah! Jesus is so superior to them! They can’t carry out justice, like he does. They haven’t been around from eternity to eternity, like he has. They aren’t sovereign, like he is. So put your attention where it deserves to be. No matter what rocks your socks, Jesus is better. In a nutshell, that’s the message of Hebrews. Be not deceived. Nothing, but nothing outshines Jesus.

Prayer

Justice. Hope. Safety. What more could we ask for in these confusing times? All these are found in you, sovereign Lord Jesus. And yet I’ve put up with less by my own and the world’s distractions.  ___________ is diverting my attention from you today. Forgive me. You certainly are better than that!

Hebrews 1:1-14

God’s Final Word: His Son

1In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but 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. 3The 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. 4So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

The Son Superior to Angels

5For 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”?

6And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,

“Let all God’s angels worship him.”

7In speaking of the angels he says,

“He makes his angels spirits,

and his servants flames of fire.”

8But 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.

9You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;

therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions

by anointing you with the oil of joy.”

10He also says,

“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,

and the heavens are the work of your hands.

11They will perish, but you remain;

they will all wear out like a garment.

12You 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.”

13To which of the angels did God ever say,

“Sit at my right hand

until I make your enemies

a footstool for your feet”?

14Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?