The Supremecy of God's Son

Well, we are well under way in our journey through Hebrews. For this week I would like us to slowly read through 1:1-4. What I mean by slowly reading through it is I would encourage you to read it at least twice a day. Preferably once in the morning and once in the evening. Think through it during your day. Ask yourself some questions about the four verses. You might ask;

How many characters from the Old Testament can I name that God used to speak to his people?

If I was to pick out three things that I can remember Jesus saying what are they? And what is God saying to us today through them?

Why would it be important to tell the church that Jesus sits at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven?

Of course there may be other questions you might ask yourself. One point off interest for me is that the portion from verse two to three sounds familiar to the portion in Colossians regarding the pre-eminence (having paramount rank, dignity, or importance) found in 1:15-20. I wonder if we have given ourselves the time to think through the implication and importance of connecting the fact that Jesus holds everything together by the shear power of his command and its that same power that ensures that his sacrifice for our sins is perfect in pleasing God, complete and lacks nothing for anyone to add into and sustains the saint through everyday until they are in heaven.

What a marvelous joy and confidence Jesus gives to us.

For Thursday nighters - please read through the five verses several times a day.
For those following along I will post some Cole's notes on Friday regarding our introduction.

Have a great week.

Levitical Background

OK. So as I have been reading through the book of Hebrews I keep coming across references to Jesus being a better High Priest. He is even given the title of being a priest in the order of Melchizedek. I also find it interesting that Jesus is given the role of a priest even though his human ancestry is traced through the line of Judah and not of Levi. For those who are wondering, the line of Levi was chosen for the levitical priesthood and no one outside of this lineage could be a priest, let alone the high priest. I also find it interesting that this priest Melchizedek would share bread and wine with the patriarch Abram. (maybe another posting should come surrounding that issue)

So, I think we need to do some background reading into the Book of Leviticus. This will greatly enhance our understanding of the elaborate and extensive nature of the sacrificial system and the requirements made of the priests and the people. This should be contrasted to what Jesus has accomplished and still does on behalf of those who believe and are saved.

Below is a short list of chapters that you should familiarize yourself with. Of course we're not looking for you to dig deep here but the task is to help you come to grips with the complexity and the beauty of what Jesus has done. Of course any comments or questions are encouraged.

a. Chapter 1 – burnt offerings
b. Chapter 2 - grain offering
c. Chapter 3 – peace offering
d. Chapter 4 – sin offerings
e. Chapter 5 – outline of ceremony
h. Chapter 10 – Death of Nadab & Abihu
i. Chapter 16 – Day of Atonement
j. Chapter 20 – Sanctity of Children; Sanctity of Marriage; Sanctity of Holiness
k. Chapter 26 – Blessings & Curses

Remember, you're not reading for a deep understanding, you're reading to help yourself understand what lies behind the statements in Hebrews regarding Jesus and his role as our High Priest.