The Grand Scheme of Things
Opening Prayer
Lord, I want to learn more and more about You so I can praise and worship You even more fully.
Read Hebrews 1:1-4
[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. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What wonderful things do you learn about Jesus here?The four short verses that open the epistle to the Hebrews encapsulate, in effect, the story, or meta-narrative, of history. They sum up all that has gone before–from creation, through the prophets, to the coming of Christ; they explain the purpose of his death and establish the status quo: that Christ ascended and is seated at the Father’s side. The person of Christ is central to the whole of time. The world was made through him, we are redeemed by him, and one day we will rule with him (2 Tim. 2:12). The broad sweep of time is the background against which he stands out. Jesus is central to the whole of it and involved in the whole of it. It would be easy for us small, finite human beings to feel totally insignificant compared with the immensity and importance of who Christ is and what he has accomplished. But the fact that Jesus died for us and that one day we will reign with him confers great significance on us; we are “special, because God has loved us, for he gave the best thing that he had to save us” (Graham Kendrick).
Apply
Write down the outstanding characteristics and accomplishments of Christ you see here and then thank him for each one.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, I’m in awe of who You are and all that You are and have done for me and the whole world. I bow before You.
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