Heb 1:10-13 The Eternal Christ

Hebrews 1:8–13 ESV

8 But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” 10 And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; 11 they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, 12 like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.” 13 And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?

Growing up I never cared that much about how I dressed. For your good, God brought Leanna into my life, so now I dress better than I would on my own.

But in thinking of clothes, I realized that I disliked the socks that I had growing up. Not because of the style or anything, as you can figure I’m clueless to that. What I didn’t like about my socks was the fact that they were not all the same, each pair of socks had a picture of something on the side. As you can imagine it was only every other full moon that I would wear socks that would match not only in color but also with the picture.

You don’t need to worry about my socks matching today, most of my socks nowadays are just plain black eliminating this annoying aspect from my youth. However, it knocks Leanna’s sock off that my socks don’t last as long as hers. At best my socks last 6 months. It must be in the boys’ genes because Byron’s socks also last only a short time.

So every so often we have socks that are worn out and need to be tossed and replaced. Maybe your socks last longer, but all of our clothes wear out, they have a short lifespan.

In the passage today we see the author of Hebrews uses the fact that clothes wear out to compare to creation that is temporary, to God, or Christ, who remains forever. Our experience in this life often cause us to assume that creation is secure and stable. The main message in this passage is to remind us that only Christ is eternal.

Let’s pause and think for a moment. What do we erroneously thing as eternal or that is not going to change? Think of something that we might often consider stable and “eternal”. Maybe a place you visit year and year, or the ocean. Mt Rushmore. Or relationships and memories. Our need for teachers, doctors and preachers.

Psalm 102

In the passage today in Hebrews we see here another quotation of the OT. v 10 to 12 is a quotation from Psalm 102:25-27 The subscription of this psalm says: “A prayer of one afflicted when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the Lord” That is the overall context of the Psalm.

About half of Psalm 102 is a lament of someone who is greatly afflicted and as he brings his lament he finds hope by looking into who God is; he recognizes that God is on His throne forever and that gives the psalmist hope and great exaltation of God. The highest part of the exaltation is the last verses of this Psalm quoted here saying:

Psalm 102:25–27 ESV

25 Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. 26 They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, 27 but you are the same, and your years have no end.

In the midst of suffering the psalmist found hope by looking at what God had done, He created the earth from nothing - all that we know and rely on. By looking at who God is, that God is reining on His throne, and above all that God is eternal.

As you face suffering meditating on Ps 102; making it your own words of prayer not only provides comfort; but teaches us how go to God in our sufferings.

First, cry out to God in the day of distress asking God to answer quickly. Then we should tell God what is heavy in our hearts, being specific about what we are experiencing. What is amazing about this is when we do so we are NOT giving God new information. He knows much better than we do in what is going on, especially in our hearts. It is good for our souls to pour out our hearts to Him because we are behaving in a manner that shows our dependency on God. In an amazing way, as only God can orchestrate, this time of sharing is a privilege and audaciously, not just for us, but God himself delights in hearing us! And what encouragement in your time of suffering!

Then after we pour all of our heart to God, we meditate on who God is, that He is reigning on His throne and nothing is outside of His control, that He raises nations and brings nations to nothing. And He regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer. He the eternal God, infinitely more permanent than the heavens and earth He fashioned. Than the problems/suffering of this temporal world. It is here in our misery that we can shift our perspective and praise Him despite our temporal sufferings - as deep, intense and overwhelming it is.

PAUSE

When we consider the OT quotations in Heb 1 there is something unique about this quote in v 10-12. The other quotations in chapter 1 of Hebrews are clear references to the Messiah in the OT, which were often addressed to a descendent of David, but addressed in a way that was only fitted for God.

What is unique for this quotation from Psalm 102 is that it is a clear direct reference to God, while the other references in Heb 1 were a clear reference to the Messiah. Through the use of this quotation the author is making it crystal clear that Jesus is God. The author can do so because he already has shown from Heb 1: 1- 9 that Christ is no other than the second person of the Trinity. There he gave plenty of OT references that can be applied only to Christ.

So why this additional quote here if he had already provided so much? To argue that Jesus, as God, is also eternal. Jesus was part of creation and He will still be the same even after creation passes away. This also reaffirms what was already said in Heb 1:2-3 that, through Jesus, the Father created the world. Not only this, but Jesus upholds the universe by the word of His power.

The Eternal Christ

What we know about creation is what God told us in Genesis, now in the book of Hebrews God teaches us that Jesus was involved in the act of creation and it was through Him that the Father created the world.

But Heb 1 is not the only place that says that Jesus was involved in creation. Paul tell us something similar in Col 1

Colossians 1:16–17 ESV

16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

We know from Gen 1 that God spoke and things came into existence. Now God tells us that Jesus also was part of the action of creation. It makes sense because there is one God. A Triune God. One God in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

So when we go out and observe God’s creation or look at breathtaking pictures of the universe like this one it should not only cause us to be in awe of our creation. It should cause us to worship God, Father, Son and HS, as we observe the work of His hands.

When Miriam was born I was in tears, looking at this little, poor little girl that looked so much like me. I saw her tiny hands and face, this person that God created. It is such a miracle. I can only say: Look and see what God has done! His works are amazing.

When I didn’t know the Lord I remember being in places where creation was amazing to observe, but creation itself never caused any change in my heart. But after I came to faith, and I remember this like it was yesterday. I was in one of the most beautiful places in Brazil, in Florianopolis, where I climbed a mountain, and from the top, I could see for miles and miles many beaches and the ocean in perfect green with speckles of sunshine reflecting like a precious jewel. The curved shape of the land was made by such an amazing perfect creator. When I got to the top of the mountain and saw all of this amazing creation. There was the only thing I could do I fell on my knees and worshiped the one who created it all. This is such a special memory that I have because it was the first time I recognized God’s hands in His creation and truly worship the only creator. Not just being amazed at creation itself.

Sometimes it is good for our souls to take a trip and see some of God’s creation. Or hold an infant and just take the moment to think about the One who created. Stopping to smell the roses is good, but to stop and admire the one who created the roses and worship Him, just because of who He is. It is far greater. The only true God, He is the source of all goodness. The least we should do is to take some time to appreciate and give thanks to the One who is truly worthy of our praise.

However, in this moment of awe, as the Psalmist is looking at creation, there is an unexpected turn as the psalmist is observing creation. He says

Hebrews 1:11–12 ESV

they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.”

When we look at creation we don’t often think of it as something that is temporal. When we want to have an idea of something that is never changing we often look at rocks or mountains. We might go back to the place we used to live. I actually often enjoy going by places where we used to live to see how things have changed and what stayed the same. If we go back to the place where we were born and raised and if we had a familiar rock or boulder and go back to look after many years that rock has not changed a bit, it is still the same size, it might have more moss over it or shifted, but the rock hasn’t changed. It seems like it is unchanging and stable.

Creation, at first sight, might seem so stable that some think that creation always existed. For many years the common worldly belief was that creation always existed. That it didn’t have a beginning. Today it is commonly accepted that there was a beginning to creation. However, often men refuse to honor and give thanks to God. Scripture testifies to that, it says in

Rom 1:19-21 “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”

Therefore, creation itself testifies to the Creator, making it clear that there was a beginning. There was a time when creation was not. As the psalmist was reflecting on the beginning of creation he recognized the often overlooked fact that creation is temporal while the creator is eternal.

This is what it says about creation when compared to the creator. Creation will perish, it will wear out like a garment. Creation is like a robe, which God will roll up. Creation is like a garment that will be changed. Even the biggest rock or mountain you have ever seen is like a pair of socks that will wear out, whether in 6 months or 60 years.

And while we certainly need to be good stewards of this creation, we must remember that all creation will have an end as ordained by God, because of sin

Then the psalmist compares creation with the creator. It says “But you remain. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.”

PAUSE

When comparing the creator with creation, we come to the conclusion that there is nothing like our God. Our created world might seem stable but it is nothing compared to the Creator. In the end He will roll creation up like a garment, and change creation in a moment.

The last two years we have seen our created world changing at a very fast pace. I don’t think we need to be convinced that we cannot put our trust in anything else. If anything these two years have proven to us just how fragile our world is, how quickly things can change. And how quickly the created being attempt to step up and “cover” the change by creating rules and a false sense of comfort and control over this change. Our world is reeling from the fact that creation no longer seems eternal, safe or dependable. And leaders everywhere are struggling to gain back “control”.

What seems like many years ago to me I remember my aunt asking me about plate tectonics. First I thought it was quite unique that someone randomly would ask me about a geological concept. She knew this was part of my studies hence why she would ask me. After considering her serious expression, I realized that she was not joking, so I told her my version of the definition of plate tectonic: the solid ground that we stand on are big chunks of rocks that are “floating” on lava, melted rock from the center of the earth. Her expression got even more serious as she considered this information. She then explained that a news report regarding a recent earthquake had literally shaken her. For the first time she realized what she had seen as the most stable and secure foundation was actually a saky ground!

We live most of our lives with the assumption that creation is stable and secure. But when we see the fragility of creation and how much we are dependent on the creator. We will truly see how much more we need to put our trust and hope in Christ. If it wasn’t for God’s grace we wouldn’t be here. It is only by His grace we have good clean air to breathe, only by His grace we had food and clothing to wear, only by His grace we are not under attack from another nation right now. It is only by His grace we have the family we love and cherish. I know is no fun to pay how much we are paying for gas right now, but it is only by His grace right now we can drive anywhere we want without any real concern for our safety.

So the next time you find yourself marveling at creation with someone or hear someone else marvel, take this to a deeper level. “shake their world” and remind them that creation is fleeting but our Creator God is eternal… do you know Him?

But what if all of this creation is taken away? Christ will still be reigning as He is right now.

That’s what it says in v8 and 9 that Christ is reigning with uprightness. That it what it says in Psalm 110 which is quoted in Heb 1:13 “13 And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?”

Since we studied previously v14, today we finish Heb 1 by looking at v13, where it goes back to the theme of Christ reigning.

Christ Reigns

I know we know and believe that Christ is reining over all creation, over every kingdom and nation. Nothing is outside of His control. This is what God says in

Isaiah 46:9-10 “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’”

These words are clear that He is in charge, nothing is outside of His hands. There is nothing that surprises Him since His counsel shall stand. Then this verse in Heb 1:13 reminds us that all of Christ enemies are under his feet. It says Heb 1:13 “And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?”

What a strange concept, especially when we look at our world we might struggle to understand how this is true. The Ukrainian church might ask why is our country being attacked and so many being killed for no justifiable reason? The Russian people might ask why is our country suddenly at war? Other former soviet countries are afraid and concerned that they might be the next targets from Russia. The Taiwanese people are living in real fear of an invasion of China. The Chinese believers continue to struggle as they are more and more persecuted by the government. We could go on and on about what is wrong and evil in this world.

If we consider these questions they could all be summarized into one question. If Christ is reigning why is evil still prevalent in the world? This question is the same when we look into our lives, If Christ is reigning why do we have to deal with this disease, this cancer or this fill in the blank suffering?

First we need to recognize that this is not an easy question. We also need to remember that God is not the cause of the suffering and evil. All the suffering and evil came into creation with Adam and Eve’s fall. Sin is the reason for the existence of pain and suffering. We know God took the penalty for sins on the cross. Through His work on the cross He provided the only way for salvation. We know that Christ is coming back and going to physically reign on earth and He is going to transform all of creation and wipe away our tears.

But what about this intermediary time?

Until Christ’s return He still is in control. There are likely a myriad of reasons that we are not privy to explaining why God is allowing suffering and evil to continue. God often uses suffering to change us, to make us more and more like Christ. Also, God often uses suffering to bring people to salvation. Furthermore, God might remove His restraining hand on nations and peoples in order for everything to be in place for Christ return. We know that before Christ returns things will get much tougher.

With everything that is happening in Ukraine I don’t know if it is just me, but I end up reading a lot trying to understand what is happening and wanting to be in the know of the latest development. We might get very distracted trying to have a sense of where things are going and trying to understand what it seems to be just plain evil. The reality is that the harder we try to understand the more it will leaves us empty.

To find peace that surpasses understanding in the midst of chaos we need to understand God, to understand Christ. This is what these passages teaches us that Christ is eternal he never changes and he will never change. He is reigning even now while it seems like everything is out of control and evil is rampant. God will last beyond all that we see failing and moving like the solid ground foating on lava. As you watch something crumble that seemed unmovable we can refocus on the eternal creator God. Who has been and eternally will be in control.

He is sitting at the right hand of God and one day all of Christ enemies will be completely subdued under his feet. Willingly or unwillingly every knee will bow down and confess that Jesus is Lord. The crushing blow is coming. We are called to trust and have our faith in Christ. He is the same, in the same way He loved us while on the cross, He still loves us while everything seems out of control.

We need to remember that it is going to get a lot worse before He returns and put everything right. Then we will see what we long for, not only ourselves but that which creation is waiting eagerly for as well.

Rom 8:22-25 “22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”

It is only when we look at Jesus, when we fix our eyes on Him. Seek Him more than anything else in creation is that we will find peace that surpasses understanding, peace in the midst of the storm.

When the psalmist fixed his eyes on God he said the following in Psalm 46:

Psalm 46:1-3 “1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah”

Then the end of the Psalm he says

Psalm 46:10-11 “10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah”

Church let us rejoice in who is truly eternal while letting go of that which we errantly might think as eternal.