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Whenever I read Hebrews chapters 1 and 2, I think, “This is powerful. I know Jesus better. I see how He helps me daily.”
Amazing descriptions of Jesus, and some of the best encouragement for followers of Jesus, are found in these two chapters. Yet, Hebrews chapters 1 and 2 remain unknown to many. I rarely hear someone quoting the book of Hebrews in the Bible.
Let’s begin with the last verse of chapter 2…
For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted (2:18, NASB1995).
I feel better now, how about you? Jesus didn’t sit in heaven giving instructions. He came to earth, while living, dying, and experiencing every temptation, every mood, and every feeling that we have today.
Jesus has been there and was victorious. Now He helps us and gives wisdom!
I build my faith by reading the differing descriptions of Jesus found throughout Hebrews 1 and 2…
Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory… and upholds all things by the word of His power (1:3).
Your throne, O God, is forever and ever (1:8).
You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands (1:10).
We can trust Jesus, who holds everything together by the power of His Word. What He says or does isn’t a “here today and gone tomorrow” news cycle.
It lasts forever! Including His sanctifying work in us…
So now Jesus and the ones He makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call us his brothers and sisters (2:11, NLT).
When you read Hebrews 1 and 2, the author compares Jesus to angels. Angel worship (or the worship of demons) was prevalent in the first century. Today, we have similar principalities who manifest in erroneous and often blasphemous media.
The word “angel” in the New Testament can be translated “messenger.” False angels, worshipped today, inhabit forms of messaging containing error in ideas and anger in attitudes.
Are our “angels” today godly?
When I read Hebrews 1 and 2, I sometimes replace “angels” with our more current “messengers” today…
And let all the angels [Tiktok© & Facebook©] worship Him (1:6).
But to which angel [politician or athlete] has God ever said, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet” (1:13).
The book of Hebrews also emphasizes the power of words spoken by godly angels…
We must pay much closer attention to what we have heard so that we do not drift away from it. For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? (2:1-3)
Jesus, angels, false messengers – the message of Hebrews in chapters one and two.
And, one of my favorite verses indicates that we have guardian angels!
Are angels not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation? (1:14)