October 14, 2020
He Is Better!
Hebrews 1:3–4
Kathy Marshall
Central Truth
To look at Jesus, the "radiance of the glory of God," His finished work that purged our sins, now our High Priest, we can be secure even if everything around us is falling apart. His Word and promises are steadfast, and so is the hope we have in Him.
Key Verse | Hebrews 13:20-21
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 1:3–4
3 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. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
Dive Deeper | Hebrews 1:3–4
My testimony doesn't qualify me to be a "typical" Watermark member. My sins weren’t spicy, but a bit boring. But my "goodness" was as dead as dead can be. Darkness is dark no matter sin's style. I am saved from more than I can imagine and to more than I could dream.
Hebrews gives a thrilling perspective, because in it the revelation of God's Son is seen as God's highest and clearest presentation of Himself!
Over my desk I have this: "Jesus is worth my highest amazement, my utmost respect, and my total attention." (Source uncertain, but Tim Keller, I think.)
Jesus is most truly the source, center, and end of everything God has to say. I have a limited grasp of glory, radiance, power, majesty, and excellence, but these are what we find when we look at Jesus and increase in wonder. We always become what we gaze upon.
"Better" is one of the important words in Hebrews, where we see Jesus with a better name, and He has given us a better hope, a better covenant, a better promise, a better life, a better country, and a better resurrection.
He wants our hearts to be "established with grace" . . . emphasizing the idea of gaining strength, reliability, confirmation, and permanence. We have a kingdom that cannot be moved!
Hebrews is a book of evaluation, exhortation, examination, expectation, and exaltation. We are partakers of the heavenly calling, made possible through our compassionate High Priest!
This magnificent book tells us to:
- Not neglect so great a salvation (Hebrews 2:3)
- Hold fast this confidence and hope to the end (Hebrews 6:11)
- Become skilled in the word of righteousness (Hebrews 5:13)
- Progress in the faith (Hebrews 6:1, 11-12)
- Receive this anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast (Hebrews 6:19)
- Stir one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24)
- Seek the city to come (Hebrews 13:14)
- Offer a sacrifice of praise to God (Hebrews 13:15)
- Give thanks to His name (Hebrews 13:15, KJV)
- Share and do good (Hebrews 13:16)
- Renew our strength to endure the race of faith (Isaiah 40:31; Hebrews 12:1-2)
- Pursue peace and holiness (Hebrews 12:14)
God is able to save to the utmost those who come to Him, and there will be great reward when He returns!
No boredom, indeed!
Discussion Questions
1. What am I really trusting? Is it the Word of God or the things of this world that are shaking and ready to fall?
2. Do I live for the permanent or for the immediate?
3. How much do I live in the future tense, with sights set on the eternal kingdom?
4. How much am I motivated by reward?
5. What does being "partakers of the heavenly calling" (Hebrews 3:1, KJV) look like?
6. Does my life show that I have full assurance, an anchor of the soul, eagerly awaiting Christ's return?
7. How is my strength renewed to run the race?