God Revealed through the Son

Hebrews 1:1–4 NKJV

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

I. Jesus Exposed

v.3

A. The brightness of God’s glory.

Brightness means radiance or reflection.

John 14:9 NKJV

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

Jesus was a perfect reflection of the fathers glory, honor, praise, and dignity.

B. The image of God.

Colossians 1:15 NKJV

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

He is not only an image of his characteristics, but also of his person.

C. He holds the universe.

Colossians 1:17 NKJV

And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

John 1:1–3 NKJV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

II. Jesus Exalted

In the next few verses we see continual references to the old Testament.

v.5

A. He is the begotten Son

Psalm 2:7 NKJV

“I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.

Hebrews 5:5

B. He is exalted for his perfection

v. 5

2 Samuel 7:14 NKJV

I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men.

Christ fulfilled what no other child could. He was sinless and perfect.

C. He is above the angels

v.6

Psalm 104:4 NKJV

Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire.

III. His kingship eternally established.

A. A Scepter of righteousness.

Psalm 45:6 NKJV

Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.

A sceptre is an ornamental staff.

Psalm 23:4 NKJV

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

The staff that comforted David is this same as the sceptre of righteousness.

Righteousness is the state of moral superiority and perfection. Surely, the righteousness of God should bring comfort to the heart of those whom have seen an experienced the deceits and wickedness of the world.

B. Anointed with gladness.

Anointing was performed by priest and was used to illustrate the blessing of God upon the appointment of an individual. Namely kings, and priest.

Exodus 29:7 NKJV

And you shall take the anointing oil, pour it on his head, and anoint him.

Jesus is both priest and king.

The birth of Jesus was said to bring joy to all people. Luke 2.10

Luke 2:10 NKJV

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.

C. A throne of power.

According to verses 10-12 his power is above all things.

Even the universe itself will be folded like a cloth and changed.

His power is over life. “Your years will not change.”

His enemies will be made his footstool.

Often we attempt to fight our battles yet we are fighting a battle to which their is no end. We struggle, hate, and fill our hearts with bitterness, yet things never change. yet, for jesus his enemies are made his footstool. This means that his victory will be final and eternal.

Application

We are joint heirs with Christ.

v. 14

Romans 8:17 NKJV

and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

We should pursue righteousness.

Proverbs 15:9 NKJV

The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But He loves him who follows righteousness.

Holiness is being set-apart or consecrated. Holiness is what allows us to pursue righteousness.

We should experience his gladness.

Psalm 68:3 NKJV

But let the righteous be glad; Let them rejoice before God; Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly.

We should rest in his power.

Matthew 11:28–29 NKJV

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.