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
