To know Jesus — what an ambition!
It is good for the soul to study such a passage as our text HEBREWS 1:1-4. Here is a summary of our Lord’s functions as MEDIATOR.
Remember, “There is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,” (I Timothy 2:5).
I. CREATOR
Let us commence at the beginning. Our text (verse 2) declares that God made the worlds by, or through, His Son. No one is truly a Christian who believes that material matter is eternal and uncreated. God made all through the agency of the Son.
Yes, the Christian can even delight in the modern discoveries of science. As great horizons of knowledge are pushed back, we rejoice in the Creator of all. Notice our text, (verse 2) says that through the Son, God made the worlds, or “all orders of existence” as the New English Bible translation puts it.
II. REVEALER
Here is an important function because everything depends upon our knowing God. “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son,” verse 1. The Son reveals God as no mighty prophet ever did!
On the Mount of Transfiguration Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus before Peter, James and John. The wonder-struck disciples saw what our text says of the Lord Jesus: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being,” verse 3.
Before the disciples’ wide eyes stood the Lord of glory, Moses the law-giver and Elijah the miracle-working prophet. Then God in heaven spoke. “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him,” Luke 9:35.
Friends, never grieve for want of some vision or miracle. You don’t need further revelation. You need to hear him! “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father,” said Jesus. Study carefully John 14:6-11; 20:24-31; 2 Peter 1:16-21.
III. SUSTAINER
Still further, the Son of God upholds or “sustains (bears along) the universe by his word of power,” NEB translation, verse 3. Every power, force, authority whether physical or spiritual — is in His hands. All (note word “All” in text) events are providential happenings, though men may succeed in bloodshed and disorder to the very limit of their freedom of choice. God is still running things through the mighty Mediator and Prince Jesus Christ.
What an encouragement to the believer! What a warning to the sinner!
IV. REDEEMER
Suppose for a moment you are speaking with someone who has never heard the Christian message. “Yes,” they admit,”I know we are all caught with the sickness of sin, and I feel my guilt, but who can deal with sin and put it away?”
“But there is a Savior,” you reply. “He is Jesus, God’s Son.”
“God?” “Is He become the Savior from sin!” “How?””
“He came to earth in a body and shed his blood as a sacrifice for sins; He died for your sins.”
Can you imagine the utter astonishment on a man’s face, hearing for the first time that He (God’s Son) by himself purged our sins! verse 3.
V. INHERITOR
After this, our text informs us, the Mediator “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”
Note every word of this! He is seated. The job is done. He will soon arise and return for his children. He is at the Majesty’s right hand, i.e., in the place of honor. Here He represents mankind (for He has truly joined our race) lifted from its fallen condition to great honor, above the angels, verse 4.
He is thus declared “heir of all things” in verse 2. All the Paradise Adam lost and so much more! — the man Christ Jesus now regains for us….for all who will believe into Him. God’s children are “heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.”
Is not our Lord a great Savior? Be diligent to know Him better, and surrender all to Him in prayer.