It doesn't get much better than this! by Pastor Dave

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” 
Hebrews 1: 3
 
Hebrews 1-2 (Psalm 25)
 
Observe

• Jesus Christ’s supremacy is described in a beautiful way as He is identified as God’s Son and the means of salvation. Particular emphasis shows that He is superior to angels, who are ministering spirits, sent to serve those who have been saved (1)
• The message of salvation in and through Jesus is clear and substantiated; it should not be ignored. God is over all and in all; from His position of sovereignty He has made everything subject to Christ. The fulfilment of this Kingdom will come on His return. Jesus, the author of humankind’s salvation, was made perfect through suffering. Jesus became of the same family, human, and so calls those who put their trust in Him brothers and sisters. Jesus suffered as a man and so is able to understand and help those who face temptation. He is THE merciful and faithful High Priest who has made atonement for the sins of His people (2)  

 
Interpret
     I encourage you to watch the video summary of this book, (click here).
     Neither the author nor the recipients of this letter are confirmed; what is clear is its aim. The letter seeks to prove Jesus Christ’s supremacy and encourages the readers to hear, understand, believe and obey.
     The letter confirms Christ’s identity as God’s Son, His superiority over angels and the fact that He is the only source of salvation for humankind. The emphasis on angels is probably due to the recipients being Jewish and the connection with the Law (the Torah). We are told that multitudes of angels appeared when God gave the Law to Moses (Deut. 33: 2). As Jesus fulfils the Law (Matt. 5: 17), His supremacy to angels is crucial.
     God’s salvation of grace is truly explained in chapter 2. Jesus became one of us and lived a perfect life giving His life in self-sacrifice to be an atonement for our sins. Christ was and always has been perfect. His suffering made perfect His sacrificial death on our behalf. He had not sinned so did not have to face death; He faced it in our place. The wonderful result is that we have a Saviour who truly understand us. He intercedes for us on our behalf before God and makes atonement for our sins. He is also the perfect image of God the Father in a way that helps us to ‘see’ and know God. There is a clear warning in this blessing; do not ignore this confirmed and substantiated salvation – it does not get any better or more clear than this!
 
Application
     The Earth and the Universe shout out the truth of a Creator God. Prophets, signs and wonders have, over the millennia, confirmed this truth; there is one God. The Bible from Genesis to Revelation makes Him known to us along with His plan of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ and His resurrection prove the truth. Since then millions of lives have testified to and proved this salvation. Our own hearts confirm that there is a God. HOW CAN WE IGNORE THIS WONDER??? It is as plain as the noses on our faces with bells and whistles!
     There are big lessons of application in these two chapters: put your faith and trust in God through Jesus Christ, do not ignore the gift of life; secondly, in Jesus we can truly know God; thirdly God uses suffering to perfect us and help us become what we were always meant to be in His image; and finally if you have made this step of faith, do not drift away. The Greek words for ‘drift away’ imply ‘slipping away,’ such as an arrow slipping from the quiver. Departure from the faith usually comes from slow drifting, not a sudden departure. A timely word of warning in our current circumstances.
    
The Question of Application
     Hebrews calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfector of our faith. What causes you to take your eyes of our Saviour and drift away; how might you refocus on our Lord?     
   
Prayer
     Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.          
Hebrews 13: 20-21
 
Praise
Turn your eyes upon Jesus by Lauren Daigle