Hebrews 1:8-9

Summary retelling of Hebrews 1:8-9

We are reminded that the throne of God endures forever.  The scepter that is always in God’s hand is the scepter of righteousness.  God continues to love righteous behavior and hate wicked behavior.  Because of this, God has anointed His Messiah with the oil of gladness more than anyone else.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

The first expression – which deals with the Messiah’s seat upon the throne of God – illustrates the point we studied yesterday.  The Messiah sits upon the throne of God.  Therefore, the Messiah must be higher than the angels.  The angels serve the throne; they don’t sit upon it.  For the record, it also shows us that the Messiah is greater than human beings, too.  We don’t sit upon the throne; we serve the throne.  Jesus is greater than humanity and the angels.

Why is it important to remember Jesus’ place upon the throne?  Why is it important to remember that we will not have a place upon the throne?  Why is it important to remember that angels don’t sit upon the throne, either?

Second Thought:

The scepter in a king’s hand represents his authority.  When an edict is made, the scepter is present.  When a person would come into the king’s presence to beg for forgiveness – or even his life – the king would demonstrate forgiveness by extending the scepter and often even touching the person with his scepter.  Thus, the scepter represents the king’s rule and his authority to rule, judge, and forgive.  We hear here that the scepter in the hand of Jesus is the scepter of righteousness.  God has approved of Jesus.  God demonstrates that everything Jesus does is righteous.

Do you take Jesus’ righteousness for granted?  What does it mean to say that everything Jesus does is righteous?  Does it mean everything that Jesus asks us to do is righteous?  If so, why don’t we obey more than we do?

Third Thought:

God has anointed His Messiah with the oil of gladness.  Moreover, God has anointed Him more than anyone else.  God is exceedingly proud of His Son, His Messiah.

Same questions as before.  Do you ever take the fact that God is exceedingly proud of His Son for granted?  What does it really mean to say that God is gladder with Jesus than with anyone else?

Passage for Tomorrow: Hebrews 1:10-12