Take Two: Hebrews 1, Proverbs 12

As we begin Hebrews today, let me preface this by saying that it is one of my favorite books in the NT, and I have spent more time studying Hebrews than any other NT books, except maybe the gospel of Matthew and the pastoral epistles (Timothy and Titus). I find the book to be fascinating for a number of reasons. One of the things you will love about this book is the fact that understanding it will allow you to understand better many of the OT practices and pictures you encounter. Second, you will love the fact that it is structured (in many ways) like a sermon. (OK, that is the part I love!) The writer is making a point and uses a number of OT passages and shows how we should interpret and apply them in developing out theology. Third, the subject matter is pretty deep. We will deal with some of the more debated passages and concepts over the next 13 days together. Now...while I have studied it extensively, I never tire of reading the book. I find it to be encouraging and always find something new...or maybe better said, God still speaks to me from the pages of the book...as if it were the first time reading.

The author is unknown. Many believe this is writen by Paul...but a number of vocal opponents have stated that the internal Greek style is too different from Pauline work for it to be his. I generally think it is a work by Paul...but won't go out of my way to argue about it. I typically just refer to the author as "the writer of Hebrews" and leave it at that.

Best estimation places this as being written around ad 64-68 but certainly before ad 70 when the temple was destroyed. Since Timothy had just been released from prison (Heb 13:23), most conservative scholars date it closer to ad 68. The dating is important...because it gives cause for us to be aware of the intensifying persecution for the Christian community...particularly among those Jews who had become Christians. These guys are the primary audience in this letter.

If you were looking for an overarching theme to tie the book together, it is that Christ (the New Covenant) is far superior to the Law (the Old Covenant). The author will show time and again how the Jewish practices of the religious system were never intended to be "perfect," and as such...make the Old Covenant unfit for a recipient of the New Covenant to ever return to.

Heb 1:1-2 is a foundational introduction to this chapter...and this book. God spoke to His people in various ways and means in the past, IN PART, but now has spoken to us through His Son (who is the supreme revelation who God is). This Son is the sole heir of God (Heb 1:2), is the "exact representation" of God (Heb 1:3) and is the sustainer of all things (Heb 1:3). The Son is different from the angels since He has become (Heb 1:4), not just a Messenger of things about God...but One who has become much better than they.

To say that the Son is the "exact representation" means that He is indistinguishable from God the Father in His essence, character, attributes, power, and honor. The word used in the Greek speaks of an imprinting...not unlike our process of minting coins. Every coin is imprinted in such a way that they are exactly alike. Similarly, Jesus is exactly like God the Father.

Angels spoke of what God was like...the Son is like God in every way...the exact representation. The angels talked about...Jesus was/is.

In Heb 1:5-13, the author now defends his thesis that Jesus is greater than the angels by showing from the reader's own context how the OT revealed this all along. It is not that the writer has developed a new idea that was never before mentioned; rather, he is articulating (by bringing together the different passages) what God has said all along. PRAISE GOD for the sufficiency of the Scriptures and God's power and desire to reveal Himself to us!

Heb 1:14 closes the chapter and points that the angels (ministering spirits) not only served the sender (God) but also served those they were sent to. In other words, by listening to the "angels" which God has sent and spoken of and through...we can see that they have pointed to Jesus all along.

Proverbs 12:18 is the takeaway. The tongue is powerful. I meet folks all the time who say to me..."I am just blunt." Some even spiritualize it and say that they have the "gift of prophesy," but mean by that...that they just "call it like they see it." Words are powerful and while in themselves, they can do neither good or harm...in the hands (or mouth) of a person, they gain their intent of destruction or healing. To be discerning or prophetic in our understanding...does not necessarily mean that we are blunt/prophetic in our deliver. Sure...Jesus said to the Pharisees that they were "whitewashed tombstones and hypocrites;" but, He also dealt gently with others. Gal 6:1-2 says we are to gently restore those who are in error. It takes no tact or communication skill to tell someone they have "stinky" breath....it takes real grace to offer and have them desire to eat a tic-tac.