Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Hebrews 1-2 and Psalm 10

The author of Hebrews is unknown, although it is clear that he was not an eyewitness of Jesus but had received the Gospel through hearing it preached (see 2:1 & 3). Early manuscripts are entitled: “To the Hebrews,” which shows that it was written to Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians who had previously been drawn to the Jewish religion as so-called “God-fearers”. It contains many Old Testament references and the author develops his arguments in a very Jewish way, replete with Old Testament proof-texts. The letter was probably written before the destruction of the Temple in A.D. 70, because no mention is made of this cataclysmic event.

The great themes of Hebrews are that Jesus Christ is greater than any angel, priest, or old covenant practice, and that Christians must never forsake the great salvation that Jesus has brought about, no matter how harsh their persecution becomes.

It begins with one of the most beautiful statements about Jesus to be found anywhere in Scripture:

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.

Let’s marvel at all those truths about Jesus, but let’s specifically meditate on these two throughout the day:

1) “God has spoken to us by his Son“: It’s not just that Jesus spoke on God’s behalf but that His whole life was a message to us from God. God spoke to us, and Jesus’ life was the Word He spoke. Jesus Himself is God’s greatest communication to humanity. Jesus is God’s perfect and final word about Himself – Who He (God) is, what He is like, what He does, what He intends for us, how He feels about us. Jesus is the Answer! And …

2)“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being“: Again, God has not only spoken partially or imperfectly through Jesus. In Jesus – in His life, death and resurrection – God has perfectly and exactly revealed Himself – His Being, His character, His nature, His heart, His intentions. Jesus is God, revealed in all His glory in and through a human life

Life Application: I encourage you to meditate on these truths throughout the day. Do so intentionally. As you drive around, repeat these truths to yourself. “God has spoken to us by his Son” … ““The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.” Whenever you pause between meetings or activities, for a cup of coffee or a comfort break, think about what these things imply. Let the Holy Spirit draw you deeper into these marvellous truths.