What Does Hebrews 1:1 Mean?

God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,

Hebrews 1:1(NASB)

Verse of the Day

This simple sentence conveys so much meaning that is staggers the imagination, when the full force of the truth it contains begins to permeate in our understating.

Long ago…
Long ago, God spoke…
Long ago, God spoke, many times…
Long ago, God spoke, many times, and in many ways, and His message was sent to us. It was given to you and to me.

The omnipotent God of the universe and omniscient Creator of all things chose to communicate a message of saving grace to a fallen race of sinners. Those who would trust in the name of the only begotten Son of God, instead of being condemned and eternally separated from His holy presence, would be clothed in His righteousness, be adopted as His beloved children, and be appointed heirs of all that belongs to Him.

How could it be that the Almighty, Everlasting Father, the eternal Ancient of Days Who knows the end from the beginning, should condescend to send the salvation message of the ages to a rebellious people who are at enmity with Himself, and who would one day crucify His only begotten Son?

If we began to truly grasp the enormity of the truth contained in this sentence, surely we would hunger to know more and enthusiastically search the Scriptures daily to discover the wonderful words that God spoke to us and the beautiful message that they contain.

God did not send a confusing message. He gave one, single, unified message of hope through the prophets of Israel. As great world kingdoms rose to power and declined into obscurity, one single, integrated, supernaturally inspired message of hope was conveyed to humanity through the chosen prophets of God's ancient people, Israel, for long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets.

But the sentence explodes into the most astonishing truth of all: "In these last days he has spoken to us by His Son, Whom He appointed Heir of all things, and through Whom also He made the universe."

Having been spoken to in the Scriptures, by firstly the prophets and then by Jesus Himself, should we not hunger for the Word and study to show ourselves approved, to our benefit and his glory?

My Prayer

Loving Father, I stand amazed at the wonder of Who You are and that You should condescend to love me and rescue me from the wages of my sin. Thank You for conveying this truth to me through Your single, integrated, supernaturally inspired message of Scripture. May I study to be approved and not stand ashamed before Your throne of grace. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.

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