Daily Bible Reading April 19th, 2020 Hebrews 1:1-14 (GNT)

God’s Life-Giving Word of Hope

Introduction

Hebrews 1:1-14: The Letter to the Hebrews is a teaching sermon that is designed to help explain what the new Christian faith is all about. Today’s passage explains that the ancient prophets spoke God’s message to his people, but now God has sent Jesus to tell God’s message, achieve forgiveness for humanity’s sins, and rule over all creation forever.

Today's Scripture: Hebrews 1:3a

He reflects the brightness of God’s glory and is the exact likeness of God’s own being.

Today's Reading

God's Word through His Son

1In the past God spoke to our ancestors many times and in many ways through the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us through his Son. He is the one through whom God created the universe, the one whom God has chosen to possess all things at the end. 3 He reflects the brightness of God's glory and is the exact likeness of God's own being, sustaining the universe with his powerful word. After achieving forgiveness for the sins of all human beings, he sat down in heaven at the right side of God, the Supreme Power.

The Greatness of God's Son

4The Son was made greater than the angels, just as the name that God gave him is greater than theirs. 5 For God never said to any of his angels,

“You are my Son;

today I have become your Father.”

Nor did God say about any angel,

“I will be his Father,

and he will be my Son.”

6 But when God was about to send his first-born Son into the world, he said,

“All of God's angels must worship him.”

7 But about the angels God said,

“God makes his angels winds,

and his servants flames of fire.”

8 About the Son, however, God said:

“Your kingdom, O God, will last forever and ever!

You rule over your people with justice.

9You love what is right and hate what is wrong.

That is why God, your God, has chosen you

and has given you the joy of an honor far greater

than he gave to your companions.”

10 He also said,

“You, Lord, in the beginning created the earth,

and with your own hands you made the heavens.

11They will disappear, but you will remain;

they will all wear out like clothes.

12You will fold them up like a coat,

and they will be changed like clothes.

But you are always the same,

and your life never ends.”

13 God never said to any of his angels:

“Sit here at my right side

until I put your enemies

as a footstool under your feet.”

14 What are the angels, then? They are spirits who serve God and are sent by him to help those who are to receive salvation.

Reflect

Today’s passage speaks of Jesus “achieving forgiveness for the sins of all human beings,” (verse 3), a reference to Christ as the High Priest (a theme that is treated extensively in Hebrews 9:1—10:18) and that he is in heaven, sitting “at the right side of God,” a traditional way of referring to the glorified Christ (see Psalm 110:1; Matthew 26:64). God has placed Jesus over all things, including the angels (verse 4). Reread verses 4-14. How is God’s Son described?

Pray

Lord Jesus, forgive me for the ways in which I have failed to live by your Word. Help me to listen when you speak, and fill me with life anew, that I may become your faithful servant. Amen.

Prayer Concern

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