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The letter to the Hebrews in the New Testament reads more like a set of sermons than a letter, and many people find it difficult to master because (as someone once told me) "of all the Old Testament furniture and names like Melchizedek ...".
So let's try and unravel its main themes. To start with:Hebrews teaches that Jesus of Nazareth is the complete and total fulfilment of all previous divine revelation. The most sacred names in Hebrew history are shown to be completely inferior to Christ.The great Moses, the Covenant relationship between God and Israel: the very tabernacle and the Holy Temple - even the angels - all are inferior to Christ. The Prologue to the Book is like the opening bars of a great symphony in which the main theme is stated on which many variations will be played throughout. This is the prologue - the first four verses of Hebrews:
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down t the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels .... Hebrews 1:1-4
All previous revelation of God was variegated and fragmentary. It was true, but partial, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Now we have the entirely completed picture. Jesus is God the Son, who was instrumental with his Father in creating the universe. He is the radiance of God's glory - which means the very light of Jesus is God's light undistorted. It does not pass through coloured or dirty glass. The light of God shines like the sunshine, dazzling and brilliant, and He is the exact image of the invisible Father's personality stamped (like a signet ring pressed into softened wax) in human flesh and blood. What he came to do, only he could do: only he was qualified. Well, he came and did it, and is now, side by side again with our Father in Heaven.
That's only a beginning. The master key of this letter to the Hebrews is simply this:-The Old Testament is the Gospel of Jesus casting its shadow before it.
A Prayer:
Eternal God, who has shined in our hearts to give the knowledge of your glory in the face of Jesus Christ, grant us now such knowledge of they grace that we may worship, adore and grow more like thee.
Now read Micah 4: 1-9.
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