July 1, 2021 — A Study on the Book of Hebrews

“Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, ² but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. ³ He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made 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.” Hebrews 1:1-4

“In one sentence, the author sums up the whole of the Old Testament: God spoke to the readers ancestors from time to time, over many years, in many different ways. He spoke directly to some, as He did to Adam and Eve. He spoke through dreams and visions, such as those of Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar. He even spoke through Balaam’s donkey. But most often He spoke by means of the prophets, who then conveyed this revelation to the Israelites, the people of God. The Old Testament contained a written account of much of this revelation. The readers of Hebrews were familiar with this revelation, so that the author of this book will feel free to refer to it often, expecting his readers to know what he is talking about.” (The Uniqueness and Authority of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2:4), Bob Deffinbaugh, bible.org)

Like it or not, we live in the “last days” that the author of Hebrews is talking about – the days where G-d has spoken to us through Jesus Christ. But we cannot look to the Old Testament as if the words are “out-dated”. The author of Hebrews points to the Old Testament prophecy and teaching because they were the words most of his audience would have known about G-d. And those words would have pointed to Christ – at least that is the point of this beginning to the book — “Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son”.

No matter when G-d spoke, or what G-d spoke, or to whom those words were addressed, the words were instructive….and true. Of course, I believe there are still prophetic words being spoken to us today. G-d is still speaking to us not only through scripture, but through words preached, words lived, and lives of faith.

Remember, when G-d spoke or G-d promised something, the promise was certain – the words were true. And the words G-d spoke through Jesus are words of salvation. Remember that……..

Pastor Dave