Project 119: Hebrews 1:1-4
| Project 119
This week's devotions are written by MBBC Student Ministry Intern Allison McSwain.
"Jesus is Better"
I was once told that the Book of Hebrews can be summarized in this small sentence: “Jesus is better.” The author of Hebrews shows how Jesus is better than angels, better than Moses, and better than the priest Melchizedek. In our reading today, we see that God previously used the prophets to deliver His divine message, but we now have something—someone—better. Today, God speaks through His Son. In language similar to that of John 1, the author tells us that everything was created through Christ the Son. The Son is the “exact imprint” of God’s nature. He is clearly superior to all other prophets in this way.
The author of Hebrews continues to assert Christ’s superiority by describing His radiance of glory and His ability to uphold the universe. Then, the author reminds the readers of Christ’s atoning sacrifice: He made purification for our sins and is still alive today at the right hand of the Father. I believe it is impossible to go through the season of Advent without reflecting on Easter. We celebrate the arrival of God’s Son on earth while knowing the purpose for which He came. Thoughts of Jesus’ birth should lead us to thoughts of His death, and we know that thoughts of His death necessitate thoughts of His glorious Resurrection.
Austin Stone’s worship song “Jesus Is Better” has profound lyrics I feel are appropriate to share in light of this passage. “In all my sorrows, Jesus is better. Make my heart believe. In all my victories, Jesus is better. Make my heart believe.” The next two lines declare that Jesus is better than any comfort and all riches. Are you believing this fact today? In your heart of hearts, can you say Jesus is better than your possessions, your human relationships, your accomplishments and dreams? If your answer is no, pray along with Austin Stone that God will make your heart believe in the supremacy of Christ over all things. Reflect on the goodness of Christ this day.
Hebrews 1:1-4 (ESV):
The Supremacy of God’s Son
1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.