IDENTIFIED AS GOD’S SON
Opening Prayer
As I read the Word today, Holy Spirit, plant its truths deep into my mind and heart; inspire me with new reasons for wonder and thanksgiving.
Read HEBREWS 1:5–14
The Son Superior to Angels
5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,
“You are my Son;
today I have become your Father”[a]?
Or again,
“I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son”[b]?
6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,
“Let all God’s angels worship him.”[c]
7 In speaking of the angels he says,
“He makes his angels spirits,
and his servants flames of fire.”[d]
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.”[e]
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.”[f]
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”[g]?
14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
Footnotes
- Hebrews 1:5 Psalm 2:7
- Hebrews 1:5 2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chron. 17:13
- Hebrews 1:6 Deut. 32:43 (see Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint)
- Hebrews 1:7 Psalm 104:4
- Hebrews 1:9 Psalm 45:6,7
- Hebrews 1:12 Psalm 102:25-27
- Hebrews 1:13 Psalm 110:1
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Ideas of monarchy and political systems are shaped by fairy tales, stories from history, and contemporary experiences of royalty. When we sing of Jesus as King, what do you think about?In June 2022 the UK celebrated the late Queen Elizabeth’s platinum jubilee. Increasingly, as she became more frail, she passed duties on to her son, Charles. But her authority as monarch remained.
This is different from the authority the Father grants to his Son. The right hand is the place of honor (vv. 3, 13). The writer used references, mainly from the psalms, to expand on this authority. For example, through the words of Psalm 2:7 (see v. 5), he saw Jesus, sitting at the Father’s side in heaven (v. 3)—his identity as the Son of God revealed (see yesterday’s note). On earth Jesus had submitted to the authority of the Father, willingly emptying himself (Philippians 2:7). But always, eternally, he is God’s Son (e.g., Matthew 3:17).
Notice what God says about Jesus’ throne and everything that it stands for (vv. 8, 9; see Psalm 45:6, 7). All this is accompanied by celebratory anointing and activity. God pours even more accolades upon his Son’s head (vv. 10–13). Take time to reflect upon each of these. No human coronation comes anywhere near to this. God the Father and God the Son reign together.
Apply
The old chorus ‘Yesterday, today, forever’ includes the words, ‘All may change, but Jesus never’ (AB Simpson, 1843–1919). What do the unimaginable descriptions of Jesus mean to you?
Closing prayer
Jesus, my Redeemer and Rock of my salvation, I come to you in thanksgiving and praise. With all of the heavenly host, I worship you.
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