Hebrews 1:8-14
Q.1. How long will God’s rule endure? What is the distinguishing mark of the rule of Jesus? – (Heb.1:8-9)
The kingdom of God will be ruled by the Son. It will be without end – Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous sceptre is the sceptre of Your kingdom (Heb.1:8). There will no longer be complaints because of injustice. God created a perfect Heaven and earth. Its subjects were created perfect. However, Lucifer revolted and swept one-third of the angels in rebellion against God – who did not keep their own domain but abandoned their proper abode (Jude 6 c.f. Rev.12:4). The majority have maintained their allegiance to God. The Lord Jesus is far above them, because – You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your companions (He.1:9 c.f. Ps.45:7).
Q.2. What other attributes set God apart from the rest of His creation? Where will God’s Son finally be? – (Heb.1:10-13)
Not only is God’s Son the Creator and Owner of everything, His righteous rule will never change nor come to an end (Heb.1:10 & 12 c.f. Heb.1:2). Jesus, in His humanity, voluntarily placed Himself under the angels, so that He might die in the sinner’s place (c.f. Heb.2:9). In this life, there are times when it appears that Satan is getting His own way and is doing as He pleases. However, Satan is actually being used by God to complete His overarching purpose. God will then say to His Son – sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet! (Heb.1:13). The day is on God’s calendar, when Jesus will be acknowledged as the undisputed Champion and Victor.
Q.3. What special insight did the writer share about angels, regarding God’s own children? How safe are we? – (Heb.1:14)
Two-thirds of the countless ministering angels have remained true and faithful to God. The writer quoted copiously from the Psalms that heralded King Jesus (Heb.1:5-13 c.f. Ps.2:7; 45:6; 97:7; 102:25-26; 103:20-21; 104:4; 110:1). The angels are assigned by God – to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation (Heb.1:14 c.f. Ps.34:7; 91:11). They stand by at His beck and call. Just as Jesus was refreshed and sustained by an angel sent to Him in His hour of need, so all God’s children are assured of the same level of loving care (c.f. Lk.22:43). We are safe and secure. (c.f. Mt.18:10; Eph.1:6).