Hebrews 1:4-14 Conceding to the Son’s Supremacy in Creation

Hebrews 1:4-14

4 having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they. 5 For to which of the angels did He ever say, “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You”? And again, “I will be a Father to Him and He shall be a Son to Me”?

6 And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says, “And let all the angels of God worship Him.” 7 And of the angels He says, “Who makes His angels winds, and His ministers a flame of fire.” 8 But of the Son He says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom. 9 “You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your companions.”

10 And, “You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Your hands; 11 They will perish, but You remain; And they all will become old like a garment, 12 and like a mantle You will roll them up; Like a garment they will also be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not come to an end.”

13 But to which of the angels has He ever said, “Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet”?

14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?

Background

In this section, the author in carefully crafted language explains the position of the Son in relation to God, the angels and creation. He answers the question: who is Christ in relation to God and to created beings? Given the familiarity of angels to the Jewish traditions, he uses angels as part of the created order. The purpose of this comparison is to accentuate the position of the Son so that men may grow to recognize the supremacy of Christ and submit to His rule.

Observation

For to which of the angels did He ever say, “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.

In short, God has appointed the Son as Heir and Ruler of creation. The context from which this quote (Psalm 2:7) is lifted from speaks of Christ’s ultimate rule over the nations. With this in mind, Christ is God’s Son (firstborn of all creation. Colossians 1:15) – Heir of His kingdom, birthed out of the very core of God. “Today” depicts the destiny of the Son who was brought into the world to redeem creation back into God’s kingdom. The relation between God and Christ is as intimate as the text suggests: I will be a Father to Him and He shall be a Son to Me, inferring perfect trust, solicitousness and a holy possessiveness over the Son’s wellbeing. The fact that God has never spoken to the angels in such terms but demanded that they worship the Son on the day of His birth: And let all the angels of God worship Him, speaks of the Son’s kingship and supremacy in all creation.

Concerning the angels, they are created to serve Him and to carry out His commands: Who makes His angels winds, and His ministers a flame of fire. The Greek term used here, “aggelos” also means “messengers” or “runners”. The context of this quote is seen in Psalm 104:3-4, “He makes the clouds his chariot; He rides on the wings of the wind; He makes his messengers winds, His ministers a flaming fire” where God appears to be riding on angels reigning over the earth. Therefore, the Son is called to rule and the angels are created to serve Him and realise His will.

But of the Son He says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom….”

In short, the Son is worthy to rule because of His righteous character. The above text in no uncertain terms substantiates the position of the Son in relation to His appointment to rule. The Son, being the Heir of the kingdom is slated to rule with God. The Father appoints His Son to the throne because He loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; His rule over creation includes humanity and the angels.

“You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth.”

In short, the Son as Creator is the source of life and sustenance for all creation. Hence, the Son must remain immutable through time and season: They will perish, but You remain… But You are the same, and Your years will not come to an end. Without the life of the Son, all creation including men and angels will eventually grow old and waste away. The Son also has power over the destiny of creation: and like a mantle You will roll them (creation) up.

But to which of the angels has He ever said, “Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet”?

In short, the Son is Judge over creation. Angels are not created to judge or take authority over the enemies, but the Son of God is. “Footstool” depicts the enemy’s subservience to the Son.

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation.

Angels are created to serve the sons of God towards fulfilling their commission in the work of the kingdom; they are made to serve and not to rule. Hence, anointed sons of God are given charge over the angels even though angels are faster and more powerful than men.

Truth

The fear of God is the first foundation of a blessed life.

The Son is set apart from creation as the Creator, Ruler and Judge: But of the Son He says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom….” Hence, men must first recognize the Son for who He is and approach Him in reverence and fear. A large proportion of churchgoers are inclined towards a feel-good Christianity where Christ is purported to be ever affable even in the face of chronic self-centered living and sin. Many are misinformed concerning the truth of the Gospel. Christ came to save those who revere God and love the truth. But, for many who would not recognize God as Lord, He kept His distance. Many of these churchgoers, hold the mercies of God on one hand, while hanging on to the pleasures of sin with the other. Because they have no fear of God, they lack the resolve to cut off sin and live to God. Jesus rejected the five thousand who wanted His bread but not His holiness; He rebuked those who called Him “Lord”, who were casting out demons but did not walk in the truth. A God-fearing believer would endeavor to live each day being filled with the Spirit and walking in obedience. As light and darkness cannot co-exist at the same place and time, how can God walk with those whose hearts are not inclined towards the light?

The Son defines the calling and destiny of every individual.

Hence, men can only derive the purpose of his existence through the Spirit of Christ. Many endeavor to find their purpose through their passion or by trial and error. As a result, they became unfruitful having spent years going in circles only to return to where they originally started. The Son laid the foundation of the earth and hence the purpose of every individual: You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth. The Son determines the destiny of creation and hence of every individual: like a mantle You will roll them up. By seeking to know the Son and by yielding ourselves to Him, we begin to understand our calling and fulfill our destiny.

Application

Do you take instructions from God on a daily basis in how you should live? On what you should do? God is speaking to show you the way to prosper. Hence, we ought to discipline our minds to listen to His voice every morning and not be sidetracked by our own plans and anxieties.

How much do you know God’s calling for your life? Or are you focused on the present needs and cares of life? The route of God’s calling is paved with grace and miracles and the end of which is glory and honor.

Dear Lord, I recognize you as my Creator, Savior and Lord. I give you full authority on how I should live and what I should do on a daily basis. Reveal to me in greater clarity my purpose and calling so that I may prepare myself to fulfill it. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.