Heir of All Things
Last week, I decided to camp out in Hebrews for a bit. One day, I set aside enough time to read through the book in its entirety. This isn’t always possible, as some books in the Bible are quite long and I might not have a few hours to read a book like Genesis or Isaiah from cover to cover. But Hebrews isn’t too long, so I dove in.
I like it when I can read a book of the Bible in one sitting. This tends to be a lot easier in the New Testament, for sure. There is something exciting about sitting with the themes of the entire book and seeing the threads that are woven through the narrative come to life.
Hebrews covers a lot of ground in 13 chapters. Every time I read this book, I feel encouraged and full of hope, which seems essential at this present moment in history.
Today, I want to highlight a few verses from Hebrews 1 that stood out to me this week. They may also serve as encouragement to you.
The author of Hebrews begins by telling us that in the past, God often used the prophets to bring his message to the people, but that in these days, his word has come through his son, Jesus.
Hebrews 1:2b-4 (The Bible For Everyone)
He appointed this son to be heir of all things; through him, in addition, he created the worlds. He is the shining reflection of God’s own glory, the precise expression of his own very being; he sustains all things through his powerful word. He accomplished the cleansing needed for sins, and sat down at the right of the Majesty Supreme. See how much greater he is than the angels: the name he was granted is finer than theirs.
Pause for a moment and reflect on this description of Jesus.
What stands out to you?
What surprises you or makes you curious?
What is the Holy Spirit inviting you to notice?
I find myself lingering on these words: “He is the shining reflection of God’s own glory, the precise expression of his own very being; he sustains all things through his powerful word.”
A little further into the chapter, we see two references to Old Testament passages restated to highlight particular truths about Jesus.
Hebrews 1:8-9 (TBFE)
In relation to the son, however, it says, Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever; the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom; you loved justice and hated lawlessness, therefore God, your God, anointed you with the oil of gladness, as superior to your comrades.
These verses echo Psalm 45:6-7.
What do you notice about God in these verses?
What do you notice about Jesus?
Do you find hope in these words?
The idea of loving justice and hating lawlessness stands out to me. In a time when lawlessness feels rampant and justice isn’t always found, I can place my hope in Jesus to rule and reign with uprightness.
There is one final passage I want to highlight today.
Hebrews 1:10-12 (TBFE)
And, again: You established the earth, O Lord, from the beginning; and the heavens are the works of your hands; they will be destroyed, but you will remain; all of them will grow old like clothing, you will roll them up like a cloak and they will be changed like clothing. But you are the same, and your years will never give out.
These verses echo Psalm 102:25-27.
What is highlighted for you as you read this passage?
How do you feel in your body as you read these words?
What is your prayer as you hold these words today?
I find myself marveling at this section - “You established the earth, O Lord, from the beginning; and the heavens are the works of your hands; they will be destroyed, but you will remain…”
Our God is more majestic, more mysterious, and more wonderful than we can begin to comprehend. God was, is, and forever more will be. This is good news! Today, as you think on these verses from Hebrews, I hope that they fill you with wonder and peace.
~ Melissa