… his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 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. (verses 2-3)
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The Sovereign Lord has spoken. He’s given his final Word. It’s Jesus, the Son.
So, the writer of Hebrews now launches into a pointed description of the Son’s brilliance, capturing it in seven powerful statements.Here they are:
(1) “The Son, whom he appointed heir of all things.” In other words, Jesus owns it all. Everything belongs to him – you, me, countries, nations, governments, the environment, the universe – all! This reminds me of the poignant declaration by Dutch theologian Abraham Kuyper: “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, ‘Mine!’” Indeed.
(2) “Through whom he made the universe.” Our God – who has been speaking all down the years, who has now spoken decisively through his Son – previously spoke all creation into being. The Book of Genesis makes it clear. But the writer is here telling us that when God spoke – “Let there be …” – he was speaking through his Son. Of course. John, calling Jesus “the Word,” tells us that “without him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:3). Of course. God speaks. It’s Jesus.
(3) “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory.” Peter, James and John saw it literally on the Mount of Transfiguration when Jesus glowed with divine brilliance. Those who witnessed the crucifixion saw it, for Jesus was “lifted up,” a phrase with intentional double-meaning, indicating that the physical “lifting up” was an “exaltation,”revealing Jesus’ glory. So John writes: “We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father” (John 1:14). Yes!
(4) “The exact representation of his being.” When Philip asked Jesus, “Show us the Father,”Jesus replied, simply and directly, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:8-9). He is the clearest sighting possible. To know him is to know Almighty God. How good.
(5) “Sustaining all things by his powerful word.” Not only did Jesus speak the world into existence – he keeps it going. Or, as Paul puts it, “in him all things hold together”(Colossians 1:17). It’s a stunning realization that each and every moment – every breath we take – is undergirded by the enabling presence of Jesus.
(6) He “provided purification for sins.” Before the Last Supper, Jesus stooped down at each disciple’s feet and washed them clean, purging away grime and filth and road-weariness. It was a picture of the greater purification he would work on the cross, taking our sin upon himself and substituing his pure righteousness. What relief!
(7) “He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” This is his rightful place. In full communion with the Father. Exalted above all. Everything under his feet. The Sovereign Lord. Praise his name.
This is Jesus, the Son. Turn your eyes upon him. Revel in his lordship. Be filled with wonder.
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Lord Jesus – Sovereign Lord over all – I praise you with all my heart. You have made me and you sustain my life – I belong to you. You have washed me clean, bringing me into your presence. You are the glorious One, the full expression of the Father, sitting in majesty at his right hand. Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that you are Lord. Gladly I make this declaration now – You are Lord indeed.
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Reflect: Take one of the seven statement and call it to mind all day. Live in its truth.
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