Journal Heb 1 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets. But, in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son—whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
He is the radiance of the glory of God and the EXACT imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” Heb 1:1-3
(God, through the prophets said) “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands.
They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But—You are the same and your years will have no end.” Heb 1:10b-12
Observation: One of the hardest things followers of Jesus must do is to get the story straight, to get it right. Taking shortcuts is a sure way to get lost.
Analysis: From the eyes of an outsider looking in, much of current denominational theory seems to emphasize one facet of the Gospel or of the Bible over others. It is like taking one cut of the Jewel and saying “this is the best part” but not taking the time to wonder at the rest of the remaining Jewel.
The Writer of Hebrews appears to start at the beginning: Jesus. But not the Jesus of the Cross just yet, but the Jesus who is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. And then, if there are folks who want to separate God the Father from Jesus the Son, he then writes that Jesus is not only the radiance of the glory of God, but he is the exact, repeat, exact imprint of His nature—Everything God is like is found in Jesus; not part, not “like God”, but the full meticulous and precise imprint of God’s nature.
Here’s what happened to me: I found a subject in the Bible that tickled my fancy and I poured myself into it. Long story short, I became judgmental to others because they didn’t share my enthusiasm “on my revelations.” Then, after I accepted correction (either from the Holy Spirit or from the local Priscilla and Aquila explaining the Way of God more accurately (c. Acts 18:26)), I cooled my jets, at least for awhile until the “next enthusiasm” gripped me. Then it started all over again.
I think, at least describing me, it comes from a short attention span, cultivated by the media I grew up with. The Writer of Hebrews isn’t coming from those cultural guardrails, he is taking the description of the Redeemer step by step through the ages, ultimately until he writes about how we are to execute our lives against this marvelous Glory.
So, what, I am asked? And your point is….?
Line upon line, precept upon precept—that is what the Psalmist says. Hard not to jump to the bells and whistles of the Gospel and stay there—but there is a greater symphonic mystery to chase down.
Prayer: Lord, satisfaction in You comes quickly with so very little, considering there so much more to feast upon. Increase my hunger for you and to know you more…
AMEN
Rick Sutton