Better Than All the Rest - October 15

Read Hebrews 1:1-3 (ESV)

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Reflect

How is Christ better than anyone or anything you might put your faith in?

There is no shortage of religions, cults, and belief systems in our world. But is there one that makes the most sense of the world? Is there one that offers more hope than any other? Is there one that is better than all the rest? The author of the book of Hebrews says, yes!

But who is the author of Hebrews? It is a mystery. We know that God divinely inspired the author of Hebrews to write this letter, but we don’t know who that author was. Further, we aren’t sure of a date for the writing of Hebrews, but we have good reason to believe that it was written before the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in 70 A.D. If an event with that much of a historical impact on the Jewish community had already occurred, surely the author of Hebrews would have mentioned it.

Apparently, Jewish Christians at this time were considering leaving Christianity and returning to Judaism in order to escape growing persecution. But the author of Hebrews urged them to continue on in the faith because Christ is far superior to Judaism. In today’s verses, we read the author’s first statement to support his thesis. He pointed out that Christ is superior to all of the Old Testament prophets because He is the creator and heir of all things. In chapters 1-4, he developed his case as he presented Christ as superior to the angels and even greater than Moses because He is God’s Son.

He reminded them that unbelief and disobedience had prevented the Jews of the Exodus from entering God’s rest in the Promised Land. But by faith in Christ, we have the promise of an even better rest, a perfect, eternal rest! He warned: “So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:9-11).

Next, the author pointed to the superiority of Christ as the “Great High Priest.” Jesus far surpasses Aaron's priesthood because He holds His priesthood permanently (Hebrews 7:22-24). He wrote: “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercessions for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once and for all when he offered up himself” (Hebrews 7:25-27). The author cites Christ as the mediator of a better covenant than the old based on far better promises—the forgiveness of sins and eternal redemption based on a perfect, once and for all sacrifice.

One of the most famous passages in Hebrews is the Hall of Faith found in chapter 11. The author of Hebrews reminded his audience of the great heroes of the faith who persevered in spite of great trials and persecution in the past because they looked forward to Jesus the Messiah. They had placed their faith in someone far better than what they could see at the moment (Hebrews 11:1-2).

Based on the examples of the heroes of faith, the author of Hebrews urged his readers to press on in faith and not abandon their faith in Christ: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2). The author of Hebrews set out to prove that Christ is far superior to the Old Covenant, so why would Jewish Christians even consider going back?

Friends, we may not be considering trading out Christianity for Judaism, but the world is full of other worldviews and belief systems contrary to the Gospel of Christ. Some Christians may be tempted to abandon the faith to avoid hard times. But the book of Hebrews should show us that any temporary suffering we may face for the sake of Christ is more than worth it. The eternal hope that we have in Him is better by far! Christ is superior. He is better than all the rest!

Respond

Jesus, thank You for the incomparable hope that I have in You. There is no one like You. You are the One who created me, sustains me, and redeemed me. You are the Author and Perfecter of my faith. Give me the strength and courage to run my race of faith with endurance. Amen.

Reveal

Share Hebrews 12:1-2 with someone who may be discouraged or struggling to remain faithful. Remind them that Jesus is the founder and perfecter of our faith and encourage them to keep their eyes fixed on Him. Consider sharing one reason why you have found Christ to be better than anything else the world offers.