«God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son» (Hebrews 1: 1 , 2).
IN ESSENCE, THE LETTER TO THE HEBREWS consists in the contrast between the symbols by which God presented the plan of salvation to the chosen people in the time of the Old Testament and the reality of Christ’s ministry for sinners after the cross and the contrast between the earthly and heavenly priesthood and Sanctuary.
Christ is presented in chapter 1 as the chosen and superior One (v. 3, 4).
He is the One chosen to minister in four very important areas: revelation, creation, representation, and purification (v. 2, 10, 8, 12).
He is presented as the One who is higher than the angels in three important aspects: in His relationship with the Father, in His reign, and in His reward (v. 5—12).
Thus, the Father said that He would place His enemies under His feet (v. 13). This shows the total nature of His power and reign (v. 6, 8). Jesus Christ is the image of the Father (v. 5, 8, 10). He was among us, showing us the Father’s character and true intentions. Therefore, our commitment is to Christ, our relationship is with Christ, and our glorious meeting will soon be with Christ.
While I was studying theology, I made a pastoral visit to the Macks, an Adventist family living in a rural area. They were active and faithful in the cause of the Lord. I clearly remember how excited Nancy, the family’s youngest daughter, was. Unwanted visitors had come to the farm and among other things had stolen a lamb that belonged to Nancy.
With sadness hanging over them, they were walking through the city a few days later when they discovered that their lamb was for sale. She said, «It’s mine. Let’s take it.» The father argued that it no longer belonged to her, but that there was a way out. Thus, he went into the store, put his hand in his pocket, took out some money, and bought the lamb. Once they got back home, Nancy was very happy. » This lamb is mine, all mine, because we raised it, looked after it, and now we bought it,» she said.
Paul said that we belong to the Lord because He made us, sustains us, and did not leave His hands in His pockets. On the contrary, He stretched them out on the cross to pay the price of our ransom. His act clearly proclaims His infinite love for each one of us. Let us live today with gratefulness and commitment.