Morning Message: Sit At My Right Hand

Bobservations' Column
Titled: "Sit At My Right Hand"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Sixty-six Books; Forty different scribes; one Author: this is what our Bible is, a collection of Books attributed to different writers, but authored by a single entity. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that "all scripture is given by the inspiration of God" to these 40 writers. Literally, it is God-breathed unto them. The apostle Peter affirms the idea in 2 Peter 1:17-21, in an interesting way; he says, if need be, disregard his own personal testimony, and read the prophets of old, as they are “a more sure word of prophecy,” proving themselves by having been fulfilled already.

We begin today to undertake a study through the Epistle to the Hebrews. We know the approximate date of this letter, sometime prior to the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 A.D. But unlike all the other Epistles, no one puts their name to it. A debate has swirled about the writer for 2,000 years. The style of the writing is somewhat unique, but not completely unique. Some will argue that the Apostle Luke wrote it, which would make it the third Book that he wrote that has become part of the Cannon. Others will make an argument for Apollos, because of its eloquence. If this is the case, then there are forty-one scribes of scripture. The third option is the Apostle Paul, making this his fourteenth Book included in the Cannon of the Bible. His knowledge of religion(s) is there. His eloquence in the written word is throughout. His intimacy with Christ Jesus flows through every chapter. Though any of these could have written this Epistle, there is a verse in 2 Peter 3:15 that gives the edge to Paul as the writer:

“And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;”

This lends itself to the focal character of all sixty-six books, Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, Who is also known as the “only begotten of the Father,” which furthermore brings us back to authorship, and Paul’s intimate knowledge of monotheism. The Bible is an autobiography of God. If the Book of Revelation is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, then the entire Bible is God’s Revelation of Himself, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, our Triune God, to be worshiped with all our heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6;4,5).

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.” - Psalm 45:6; Hebrews 1:8

Bobservations Column - Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 1:1=14 - "Sit At My Right Hand"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

The epistle to the Hebrews is a unique book in the New Testament. It begins as an essay (Hebrews 1:1-2), progresses as a sermon (Hebrews 2:1-4), and ends as a letter (Hebrews 13:23-25). Its contents are deep and challenging. Many Christians find it difficult; some equate its difficulty with the book of Revelation.

• But for Christians willing to take the time to read and reflect upon it, they will be: Reminded of how blessed they are to have trusted in Christ
• Impressed with the superiority of Christ and His New Covenant over Moses and the Old Covenant
• Warned of the danger of apostasy and the need for steadfastness in their faith

Hebrews 1 is an awe-inspiring reminder of the supremacy of Jesus Christ as God's Son. It underscores the uncontestable superiority of Jesus, not just over earthly creations, but celestial beings like angels as well. The chapter prompts us to reflect on the grandeur of Jesus' role, His divine nature, and His eternal rule. We are reminded to trust His authority, as He is the ultimate revelation of God's will and love for humanity.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Sundry Times (1:1) - Means various times, or many different periods or occasions in the past when God communicated with His people. Over the course of possibly 1,800 years (from Job c. 2200 B.C. to Nehemiah c. 400 B.C.) the Old Testament was written in thirty-nine different books reflecting different historical times, locations, cultures and situations. 

Divers Manners (1:1) - Means various ways that God communicated with His people in the past especially through the prophets.  These included visions, symbols, and parables, written in both poetry and prose.  Though the literary form and style varied, it was always God's revelation of what He wanted His people to know.  The progressive revelation of the Old Testament described God's program of redemption (1 Peter 1:10-12) and His will for His people (Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17).

Last Days (1:2) - The Jews understood the "last days" to mean the time when Messiah (Christ) would come (cf. Numbers 24:14; Jeremiah 33:14-16; Micah 5:1, 2; Zechariah 9:9-16).  The fulfillment of the messianic prophecies commenced with the advent of the Messiah.  Since He came, it has been the "last days" (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:11; James 5:3; 1 Peter 1:20; 4:7; 1 John 2:18).  In the past, God gave revelation through His prophets, but in these times, beginning with the Messiah's advent, God spoke the message of redemption through the Son.

Heir (1:2) - Everything that exists will ultimately come under the control of the Son of God, the Messiah (cf. Psalms 2:8, 9; 89:27; Romans 11:36; Colossians 1:16).  This inheritance is the full extension of the authority which the Father has given to the Son (cf. Daniel 7:13, 14; Matthew 28:18), as the "firstborn."

Worlds (1:2) - The word can also be translated "ages."  It refers to time, space, energy, and matter - the entire universe and everything that makes it function (cf. John 1:3). 

Brightness (1:3) - The term is used only here in the NT.  It expresses the concept of sending forth light or shining (cf. John 8:12; 2 Corinthians 4:4, 6).  The meaning of "reflection' is not appropriate here.  The Son is not just reflecting God's glory; He is God and radiates His own essential glory.

Express Image of His Person (1:3) - The term translated "express image" is used only here in the New Testament.  In extrabiblical literature, it was employed for an engraving on wood, an etching in metal, a brand on animal hide, an impression in clay, and stamped image on coins.  Person is a word conveying nature, being, or essence.  The Son is the perfect imprint, the exact representation of the nature and essence of God in time and space (cf. John 14;9; Colossians 1:15; 29).

Upholding (1:3) - The universe and everything in it is constantly sustained by the Son's powerfully effective word (Colossians 1:17).  The term also conveys the concept of movement or progress.  The Son of God directs all things toward the consummation of all things according to God's sovereign purpose.  He who spoke all things into existence also sustains His creation and consummates His purpose by His Word.

Purged Our Sins (1:3) - By the substitutionary sacrifice of Himself on the Cross (cf. Titus 2:14; Revelation 1:5).

Sat Down at the Right Hand (1:3) - The right hand is the place of power, authority, and honor (cf. v. 13; Romans 8:34; 1 Peter 3:22).  It is also the position of subordination, implying that the Son is under the authority of the Father (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:27, 28).  The seat that Christ has taken is the throne of God (8:1; 1012; 12:2) where He rules as sovereign Lord.  This depicts a victorious Savior, not a defeated martyr.  While the primary thrust of this phrase is the enthronement of Christ, His sitting might also imply the completion of His atoning work.

Being Made (1:4) - The Greek verb used her refers to a change of state, not a change of existence.  The Son in His divine essence has eternally existed, but for a while He was made lower than the angels (2:9) and afterward was exalted to an infinitely higher position by virtue of what He had accomplished in His redemptive work.

Angels (1:4) - Spirit beings created by God to minister to Him and do His bidding.  The Jews held angels in very high regard as the highest beings next to God.  The sect of Judaism which had established a community at Qumran taught that the archangel Michael's authority rivaled or surpassed that of the Messiah.  The writer of Hebrews clearly disclaims any such concept.  The Son of God is superior to the angels.

More Excellent Name (1:4) - That name is Lord.  No angel is Sovereign Lord.

Son (1:5) - A title of Christ expressing the voluntary submission of the second person of the Godhead to the first person for the purpose of fulfilling God's plan of redemption established in eternity past.  

Again (1:6) - This adverb can be taken with "brings" as a reference to the Second Coming of christ or with "says' to indicate yet another quotation from the OT ("and again, when He brings the firstborn into the world, He says" ; cf. v. 5; 2:13). 

Firstbegotten (1:6) - Christ was not the first to be born on the earth, but He holds the highest osition o sovereignty.  As "firstborn," He is also set apart to the service of God and, being preeminent, is entitled to the inheritance (cf. v. 2; Genesis 43:33; Exodus 13:2; 22:29; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalm 89:27).

Let All the Angels (1:6) -Quoted from Deuteronomy 32:43.  Since the angels are commanded to worship the Messiah, the Messiah is superior to them.  Five of the seven OT passages quoted in the first chapter of Hebrews are in contexts related to the Davidic covenant, which emphasizes the concepts of sonship, kingship, and kingdom.  Although Deuteronomy 32:43 is not in a Davidic covenant context, it has an affinity to the teaching of Psalm 89:6, which declares that the heavenly beings themselves must recognize the lordship of God.  

Of the Angels (1:7) - The writer continues biblical proofs that the angels are subservient to the Son of God by citing Psalm 104:4.  

He Saith (1:8, 9) - Quoting from Psalm 45:6 ,7, the writer argues for the deity and the lordship of the son over creation (cf. v. 3).  The text is all the more significant since the declaration of the Son's deity is presented as the words of the Father Himself (cf. Isaiah 9:6; Jeremiah 23:5, 6; John 5:18; Titus 2:13; 1 John 5:20).  It is clear that the writer of Hebrews had the three messianic offices in mind:  Prophet (vs 1), Priest (v. 3), and King vv. 3, 8). Induction into those three offices required anointing (v. 9).  The title Messiah (Christ) means "anointed one" (cf. Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:16-21).

And Thou (1:10-12) - Quoted from Psalm 102:25-27, The Son who created the universe (John 1:1-3) will one day destroy the heavens and the earth that He created, but He remains unchanged.  Immutability is yet another characteristic of the divine essence.   Once again, the OT testifies of the Son's deity. 

But Thou (1:13-14) - Quoted from Psalm 110:1. The Lordship of the Son.  Christ will reign and the angels will serve the recipients of salvation. 

Enemies Your Footstool (1:13) - Quoted from Psalm 110:1 - the sovereignty of Christ over all!