4th July, 2010

BRUCE C. WEARNE

Read Hebrews 1: 3

The writer assumes that this is a message of great power. As we read we realise that ever since it was first announced, this message has provoked listeners to "pass it on". They too have heard what God Himself has said to them "in these latter days".

PICTURE: © Robert Aichinger (www.sxc.hu) "But the interesting thing about this statement is that it tells us that the Son is now fully involved in revealing God to 'us'."

Previously, it was specially designated prophets and messengers who delivered God's message. They did so in a variety of genres, in different historic episodes. Now, God's decisive speaking has taken a new turn. In these "latter days", His Son, the Person who has always been the focus of God's complete creational purpose, has come. He has come "to us" and He is God's personal address to "us". That is how we come to know our place in His plan. This too was part of God's purpose.

So, what is the writer assuming here? What does the writer of this letter assume his readers know already? Someone who didn't know much about Jesus' life, having picked up the New Testament to do some casual investigation, and who randomly opened it to this page, might read this as an intense poem, a hymn or song in praise for what God has done. Clearly, the writer assumes that the initial recipients of this letter will already know the story of the Person he is discussing here. And if not, they are hereby invited to do so.

But the interesting thing about this statement is that it tells us that the Son is now fully involved in revealing God to "us". This Person being the One who carries God's Glorious Image - He is "the true spitting image" - now sustains and carries forward God's purposes in those who have been cleansed of their sins.

The writer assumes that the image, which had been corrupted, has now been restored and maintained in those who stood in dire need of their sins being purged. And that also means that these people - "us" - are the beneficiaries of the Son's action in assuming His office as right-hand overseer of everything. The Son is heir of everything and those who have had their sins purged are the beneficiaries of the glorious bequest.

Those who believe, knowing the story of the Son's earthly life and death and resurrection, are once more authoritatively informed of His Royal Priestly exaltation. The consequences are evident. There's a dawning of great significance here. Those who take up this letter to read for its historical and literary value are also invited to allow this revelation to speak to their hearts.

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