Today’s reading is Hebrews 1.
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”–Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”–John 1:1
The author of Hebrews carries on this line of thinking by claiming that through His Son, God created the world (Hebrews 1:2). Not only that, the Son upholds the universe by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3). Stop there for just a moment. Exactly how much power do you think it takes to uphold the entire universe? The Son of God, Jesus Christ, has that much power in His word, His speech.
The author of Hebrews then quotes Psalm 102:25-27, once again quoting from the Septuagint, declaring, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands” (ESV). First, let’s acknowledge the shock that the inspired author of Hebrews declares this is spoke about the Son. No doubt, this is because of the connection and parallel of the teaching to what was said in Psalm 45:6-7 which refers to the King as God. However, second, let’s recognize this early Christian author calls Jesus not only Lord, but Creator.
Some today want to act like the teaching of Jesus grew over generations and centuries until a normal man took on legendary godlike qualities. That simply isn’t the case. In less than a generation, Jesus was considered God by His followers. Of course, if we take the gospel accounts at face value (which I do), this is unsurprising because Jesus declared and demonstrated Himself to be God repeatedly.
Recognizing this, can we be amazed for a moment at the nativity? Can we be amazed that the Creator of the universe entered the world as a baby, allowing Himself to be wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in an animal’s feeding trough? Can we be amazed that He grew up as a child, under the authority of human parents? Can we be amazed He submitted to the authority of human governments and counsels? Can we be amazed He allowed humans to reject Him, mock Him, belittle Him, question Him, persecute Him? Can we be amazed He allowed humans to crucify Him?
Yet, the Creator of the universe did all of that in order to make purification for our sins. Can we be amazed by that even more?
Praise the Lord!
Tomorrow’s reading is Hebrews 1.
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Discuss the Following Questions with Your Family
- What are your initial reactions to the chapter and the written devo above?
- Does it surprise you to think of the man Christ Jesus as the Creator of the universe? Why or why not?
- If He is Creator, how should we react and relate to Jesus?
- What does the author of Hebrews, quoting the psalms tell us about the Creator Jesus in relation to His creation in Hebrews 1:11-12?
- What do you think we should pray for and about in light of this chapter and today’s post?
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