2023/08/18 - Hebrews 1: God Spoke By His Son Who Is Greater Than Angels
Jerry Starling
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Reading: Hebrews 1: God Spoke by His Son Who is Greater Than Angels
Verses for Today: (Hebrews 1:1-2) Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world.
Daily.Devo
The authorship of Hebrews is an enigma. God alone knows who wrote it. The author asks us to “bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written briefly” (Hebrews 13:22) His brief exhortation is powerfully packed into ten pages of my Bibles (ESV & NRSV).
The Old Testament prophets, Abraham & Moses received messages from God in face-to-face encounters. Joseph had the gift of interpreting dreams. The major prophets heard His voice and saw His visions. All prophets often said, “This is the Word of the LORD” to introduce God’s message to man.
“In these last days, He has spoken by His Son,” through whom He created the world. Stated here, in Colossians 1:16, & John 1:3). The Son, creator of all things, appointed heir of all things, the radiance of the Father’s glory and exact imprint of the Father’s nature, He also upholds the Universe by His powerful Word.
“After making purification for sins” by dying by crucifixion and rising from the dead three days later, “He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” He is as much superior to angels as the name He has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
The rest of this Chapter is a citation of Old Testament statements applied to angels, always showing them to be lesser beings than the Son of God.
The unknown author asks, “To which of the angels did God say, ‘You are My Son?”’ (Psalm 2:7). Or “I will be His Father and He will be My Son” (2 Samuel 7:17). This was said to David of His offspring, which is why we have both Joseph’s legal claim as a son of David and Mary’s linage went back to David through another son.
Psalm 104:4 says, “You make the winds Your messengers (or Angels), fire and flame Your ministers.” In Hebrews this becomes, “He makes His angels winds, and his servants flames of fire.” But He says this of His Son: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of Your kingdom.”
Psalm 102:25-27 becomes, almost word for word, Hebrews 1:10-12. “In the beginning, Lord, You founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands; they will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like clothing; like a cloak you will roll them up, and like clothing they will be changed. But you are the same, and Your years will never end.”
“To which of the angels has He ever said, ‘Sit at My right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet,”’ but He said it to Jesus. “The LORD says to My Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies Your footstool.”’
The last verse of our Chapter gives the angel’s role. “Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?”
Do you agree that Jesus is better than angels?
Pray for Your Self: Father, I pray that I never will worship angels instead of Jesus, though many people have worshiped them. This is my prayer, in His precious name, AMEN!
My Prayer for You (and for me) Father, I offer this prayer for all who read these words. I pray that each of us will meditate on the fact that Jesus is superior to angels in every way. This is my prayer, in the holy name of Jesus, AMEN!
Updates for Central
Game Night will be on Saturday, August 19 beginning at 6:30. Bring your favorite game and be prepared for a lot of fun, fellowship, and camaraderie. There will be light snacks.
Our Next Potluck Fellowship will be August 27. Bring a dish to share, invite your family, friends, neighbors, and have good fellowship, food, and camaraderie.
Son Quest is September 1-3. If you are going, start thinking about what to take and what to leave home. Who will your roommates be? Get ready for three days of fun mixed with some great Bible teaching. Come back fired up for Jesus!
The Wednesday morning Ladies’ Class will resume at 10:00 am on September 6. All ladies are invited to participate.
Our Eastern European Mission “Million Dollar Sunday” contribution will be on September 24. Our entire contribution that day will go to EEM to provide Bibles for the former Soviet bloc nations. Last year, EEM distributed almost two million Bibles, up 24% from 2021. They expect to have more this year. Ukraine also received $2 Million in benevolent help due to the war.
PRAYER NEEDS
Joan Berry, Joanna Turner’s Mother, needs our prayers.
Belinda Pate is at home but is not walking well.
Sarah, Bill Leavitt’s friend in the Philippines, is out of the hospital doing much better. He thanks us for our prayers for her.
Carol Grandey, Brenda Schmidt’s sister, is home following surgery. Now, we need to pray for her pneumonia.
Jesse Matthews, Sr. fell, injured his shoulder, and has been in the hospital. Ruth said a couple of weeks ago he might be going into rehab soon. She needs prayers as much as Jesse does.
Kristi Holder was well enough to be at mid-week study on the 16th. Jerry said she improves daily – bit by bit.
Joy Bland found she has a broken bone in her foot that requires a boot to help it heal. She will have it for about six weeks, with an MRI (hopefully) coming soon. She recently told me she really needs our prayers to help her through.
Gale Harnish is home, but not well. Keep her in your prayers.
Susan Allen’s sister Debi is not well at all. Please remember her in your prayers.
Please let us know when you have events to publicize, are in the hospital, or are sick and need prayers. If you request prayer for someone, let us know when to take them off the prayer list. You can contact me by text or phone at 407-453-5392.