God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. [Hebrews 1:1-3 NASB]
I think that a book written to Hebrews by a Christian writer would first have to speak of things contained in the Old Testament. Such a text would need to address how, in light of messianic revelation, one should read the Hebrew scriptures. And whether a Hebrew is obligated to obey Mosaic Law?
In these first few verses the writer seems to make a contrast between things written by men moved by God and things expressed by the exact representation of God. He seems to indicate that things "spoken to us in His Son" carry a greater weight than things spoken by the prophets. I find this helpful.
The "Red Letter Christian" phenomenon is a reflection of such thinking. That approach helps me to discern spiritual truth when I read the Old Testament. As I read I filter the text through the life, ministry and teachings of Jesus. This method has helped me to process and understand many things written there.
Teach us Lord to process everything that we read, hear and see through Jesus.
... this devotion is part of a series about the book of Hebrews.
I think your second paragraph exactly summarizes the matter the writer is expressing in these verses. Excellent prayer: that we might process everything through Jesus.
ReplyDeleteThanks vanilla.
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