He has spoken to us by His Son

 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. Hebrews 1:1,2 NIV

The writer of Hebrews wants his readers to know from the start that God has communicated with man according to His own terms. As he opens this letter he is speaking in the past tense. In the past God spoke and He has spoken to us. Of course this letter is intended for those of the Jewish persuasion, but certainly useful for us today as well.

These first two verses show the process that God used to communicate with man. First it was with the prophets, but in His final interaction with humanity it is through His own Son that He chooses to reveal His will for mankind. Jesus also explained his mission this way in the parable of the vine growers, in Luke 20:9-18. (Read this Parable)

What the writer of Hebrews is getting at is that God had spoken to man in many ways and those He sent weren't listened to. His final effort to communicate with man was through His Son. In Luke chapter twenty Jesus was directly confronting the spiritual leaders of the Jews with the fact that if they refuse to listen to the Son what they have, will be taken away from them. They were none to impressed with that Idea .

So, as the writer of Hebrews is introducing the purpose of the letter it is obvious that he wants his readers to know that obedience to the Son is mandatory. He is the heir of all things. The universe was made through Him. These statements about Jesus display His power and authority. When Jesus came it was to speak on behalf of His Father. He wasn't merely a servant sent with a message like the prophets were, He was the direct heir of the owner of the “vineyard”. He came to claim what was rightfully His.

This brief declaration in the first two verses sets the tone for the entire letter, Jesus is what we have been looking for. Jesus is the answer.

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman