March 06, 2023 | Be On Mission
Jesus is Greater Than the Angels
Scripture: Hebrews 1 (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?
Devotional
We do not know the author of the book of Hebrews. But since we just read Stephen’s one chapter summary of the Old Testament, let’s read an entire book of the New Testament that looks at some of the same topics.
Remember, we are calling this year-long exploration of the New Testament a “chrono-geo-bio-logical” flow, following the chronology of Acts, then diverting to the biographical people or geographical places or thematic topics mentioned. So, let’s examine Hebrews, the book that talks about… wait for it… the Hebrews.
This book was written to Hebrew Christians – Jewish people who believed in Jesus as God’s Messiah. In it, we will delve into several Old Testament themes, including Moses and the Law, the Sabbath, the priesthood, covenant, the sacrificial system, and the temple. The author demonstrates how Jesus is the fulfillment of and superior to all of these Old Testament concepts.
To make the reading of this book of Hebrews more “sticky” to your brain, consider getting out some Play-Doh, or grabbing some markers and a white board, or taking pictures of objects around the house, or grabbing a hammer and building something. For each chapter, add a few images or phrases or objects that capture the ideas being described.
In this first chapter, the identity of Christ is put on full display. He is far superior even to all the angels of heaven! Read through Hebrews 1 again. What are the different truths about Jesus that are mentioned? What does each one say about Him? Which one stands out to you? What images come to mind?
Prayer
Dear Creator God, You placed Your Son, Jesus Christ, at Your right hand in heaven. You said of Your Son, "You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness, therefore God, your God, has set You above the angels and has anointed You with the oil of joy." You were in the beginning when the foundations of earth and heavens were laid. We praise You for Your grace and we offer thanksgiving for the blessings poured out on us. We pray we can be deserving of grace and honor Your name as we pour out blessings on others. Help us use the Fruits of the Spirit to honor Your name.
Poem
God Speaks
In every raindrop
Grain of sand
With every foliage
On the land
Each blade of grass
Each bird on wing
Each roaming beast
Each song they sing
Each rock and dale
Each shining star
Each breeze which blows
Where waves meet shore
God speaks
From Eden’s dew
To righteous ear
From glist’ning sky
To exile’s tear
From burning bush
From servant’s plea
From prophet’s mouth
In darkest sea
On mountain top
And dungeon’s den
Through valley dark
Through prophet’s pen
God speaks
Angelic guest
In veiled scene
From leaping womb
To troubled dream
Through pure one’s voice
And priestly tears
An aged saint
Prays eighty years
A youth before
A baffled crowd
A desert herald
Shouting loud
God speaks
Descending dove
‘Spite hunger’s ward
From ancient words
Comes Spirit’s sword
From lips which call
The fishermen
A “follow me”
Is heard, and then
Good news is preached
To all in chains
Blind see, lame leap
Mute praise proclaim
God speaks
Despite the plots
Despite the doubt
Despite despair
The rocks will shout
The lies may come
A kiss betray
A whip may crack
Love on display
A thorny crown
Hand’s flesh be split
Despite death’s pow’r
From Hell’s deep pit
God speaks
As curtain tears
As earth’s plate cracks
As sin is borne
Upon Love’s back
Despite corpse lying
In the grave
In three days hence
Stone rolled away
Love visits fear
New life is born
Ascension bright
Our lives transformed
God speaks
In every raindrop
Grain of sand
With every foliage
On the land
On mountain top
And prison’s den
Through valley dark
Through preacher’s pen
Angelic guests
In veiled scenes
In closet prayers
To vision dreams
God speaks
