(Hebrews 1:1-5) God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 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. 3 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. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.
For to which of the angels did He ever say,
“You are My Son, today I have begotten You”?
And again,
“I will be a Father to Him and He shall be a Son to Me”?
Fourthly, one day, Jesus will bring the firstborn into the world. This is referring to the His Second Coming. At that time, Jesus will come down from heave to earth - with all His angels (as well as with all those believers who have been raptured and have been given heavenly bodies).
All unbelievers will be removed form the earth, and all demons will be locked up for a thousand years. And because of that, right at that point, only believers will be left on earth - who will all worship God. And, only angels will be left - who will all worship Jesus...
(Hebrews 1:6-7) And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says,
“And let all the angels of God worship Him.”
7 And of the angels He says,
“Who makes His angels winds, and His ministers a flame of fire.”
Fifthly, Jesus is eternal and has the ultimate victory, and all believers will share in that victory for all eternity in heaven...
(Hebrews 1:8-12) But of the Son He says,
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom.
9 “You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your companions.”
9 “You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your companions.”
10 And,
“You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Your hands;
11 They will perish, but You remain; and they all will become old like a garment,
12 And like a mantle You will roll them up; like a garment they will also be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not come to an end.”
11 They will perish, but You remain; and they all will become old like a garment,
12 And like a mantle You will roll them up; like a garment they will also be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not come to an end.”
Now we go into a recap of mankind's story. Firstly, when we were created, we were created a little lower than the angels. Our earthly bodies do not have the same capabilities as a spiritual being. But we were given the responsibility of taking care of everything created on earth.
Secondly, verse 8 explains that we lost our dominion over the earth because of sin...
(Hebrews 2:6-8) But one has testified somewhere, saying,
“What is man, that You remember him? Or the son of man, that You are concerned about him?
7 “You have made him for a little while lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, and have appointed him over the works of Your hands;
8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet.”
7 “You have made him for a little while lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, and have appointed him over the works of Your hands;
8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet.”
For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him.
Thirdly, because of our sin, Jesus came to earth in flesh in order to redeem us, so that - fourthly - mankind will be able to one day rule the earth again with success - in the Millennium, alongside Jesus, fulfilling the Abrahamic and David covenants...
(Hebrews 2:9-18) But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.
10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 saying,
“I will proclaim Your name to My brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will sing Your praise.”
13 And again,
“I will put My trust in Him.”
And again,
“Behold, I and the children whom God has given Me.”
14 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. 16 For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. 17 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.
Today's takeaway: God never gives up! Below it says, "He again fixes a certain day..." Which is really - "TODAY!" In THESE last days - - - we do not know how long we have on earth, so for each one of us - today is the day.
Below we have some powerful verses. In verses 4:11-13, we are challenged and told what God expects of us - and He sees everything! Nothing is hidden!
And then in verses 4:14-16, we are comforted by the good news! Jesus is our Advocate! He has experienced every sort of temptation yet WITHOUT SIN. Therefore, He understands everything we might possibly be going through! As well, He is able and desires to help us get through everything!
And let's be very clear here though - God wants us to enter into His REST!!! Why do we resist that??? Why would we not want that??? Lord, I'm so very tired from trying to do things in my own strength! As well, I struggle to find my own rest! Help me find and experience Your rest! Then, help me find and experience Your strength to do what I must!...
(Hebrews 4:1-16) Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard. 3 For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said,
“As I swore in My wrath, they shall not enter My rest,”
although His works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For He has said somewhere concerning the seventh day: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”; 5 and again in this passage, “They shall not enter My rest.” 6 Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly had good news preached to them failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 He again fixes a certain day, “Today,” saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before,
“Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”
8 For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have spoken of another day after that. 9 So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. 10 For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. 11 Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
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