Friday 4 April, 2014

5 God never said to any of the angels, “You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.” (Psalm 2:7) Or, “I will be his Father. And he will be my Son.” (2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chronicles 17:13) 6 God’s first and only Son is over all things. When God brings him into the world, he says, “Let all of God’s angels worship him.” (Deuteronomy 32:43) 7 Here is something else God says about the angels. “God makes his angels to be like winds. He makes those who serve him to be like flashes of lightning.” (Psalm 104:4) 8 But here is what he says about the Son. “You are God. Your throne will last for ever and ever. Your kingdom will be ruled by what is right. 9 You have loved what is right and hated what is evil. So your God has placed you above your companions. He has filled you with joy by pouring the sacred oil on your head.” (Psalm 45:6,7) 10 He also says, “Lord, in the beginning you made the earth secure. You placed it on its foundations. The heavens are the work of your hands. 11 They will pass away. But you remain. They will all wear out like a piece of clothing. 12 You will roll them up like a robe. They will be changed as a person changes clothes. But you remain the same. Your years will never end.” (Psalm 102:25–27) 13 God never said to an angel, “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your control.” (Psalm 110:1) 14 All angels are spirits who serve. God sends them to serve those who will receive salvation.

The most revered things in the Jewish faith had been the prophets, Moses, the priesthood and angels. The author of Hebrews is seeking to establish Jesus’ supremacy over all these things. In this passage he is comparing Jesus to angels.

For us it is a no brainer that Jesus surpasses angels. But sometimes we don’t put him first either. We get distracted by the things of this world. Sometimes we make finances or work or even leisure activities more important than Jesus. None of these things are wrong in themselves, but they should not take the place of Jesus as our first priority. Look at the wonderful things this passage says about Jesus.

1. He is God’s precious Son

2. He is worshipped by angels

3. His throne will continue forever

4. He rules with justice

5. He loves righteousness and hates wickedness

6. He is anointed by the Father with the oil of joy

7. He laid the foundations of the earth and the heavens

8. He will remain always – even after the heavens and the earth perish

9. He sits at God’s right hand

10. His enemies will be a footstool under his feet.

Our response to this has to be bifold. We need to make sure he is number one in our lives, and we need to praise him! Jesus is abundantly worthy of our praise!

Lord, You are worthy to receive glory, honour and praise. You are great and just and you will live forever. May I never forget how great you are, but always exalt you. Amen.

Written by Megan Cornell