The God Who Speaks
Hebrews 1:1-2
“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…”Hebrews 1:1-2 ESV
Unfathomable! Simply unimaginable. Humanity longs for the great unknown. Billions are spent by governments, universities, and eccentric rocket tycoons annually probing the great unknown. Looking for answers to the eternal question; are we alone in the universe? The truth is out there. Not the type of truth that can be found with a telescope. Not the marvelous wonders sought out by H.G. Wells or Elon Musk. The truth that is evident to all image bearers from the moment of conception. God is real. He is powerful. He is judge. We are not alone, this is plain to all; it isn’t shocking (Rom 1:19-20). The incomprehensible tid-bit is that he is the God who speaks. He has not left us to fend for ourselves. This is good.
As biblical authors are prone to do, the author of Hebrews— I say “the author” because frankly we are unsure of the human instrument who penned the book. We all hope it is one of the dudes who listened to Jesus on the road to Emmaus though, right? — the author of Hebrews opens up with grand statements on the glories of God and Christ. “Jesus upholds the universe. Jesus is the heir of all things. Jesus is greater than the angels. Greater than the prophets. Greater than even Moses himself. Jesus is God.” Can’t get much more grand than that last one. But all of this is given in support of the opening two verses. Long ago God spoke in one way. Now he has spoken (definitively and finally) in His Son. Long ago God spoke to our Fathers. Now he has spoken to us. He has spoken to you. The two age paradigm runs deep.
Before we get to that: A quick glance ahead in the book can be helpful in understanding the importance of these opening verses. Sometimes skipping to the end of the book, knowing where all of the argumentation and persuasion is heading, allows us to get a handle on the earlier portions. Where is this going? Why was the book written?
“I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.”Hebrews13:22 ESV
The author calls the writing a “brief exhortation.” Sometimes this can be understood as an encouragement. In light of the very real warning passages in the middle of the book however, we ought rather see it as a stern reminder of the dangers of turning away from Christ as well as an encouragement that Christ will keep his New Covenant people without fail. This is why we read,
“…in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation.” Heb 6:9
Why the need for this exhortation? Why the reminder of the majesty of Christ and the assurance of his covenant faithfulness? Well… because we need reminding. His audience, with whom he was intimately familiar (13:19;23), had been down the road of persecution before. They did not live cushy lives of ease singing Kumbaya around camp fires; they were the campfires. The audience had likely suffered under the cruel hands of Nero the Beast. The same Nero who in AD 64 was lighting his garden parties with flaming human torches of the Christian variety. Yes, they knew persecution. They knew the cost. Many bore the scars in their own bodies. The price of discipleship was front and center. Because of this, the temptation to turn away from Christ and go back to their previous lives must have been tremendous. Knowing this, the author wrote,
“But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated…“Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.” Heb 10:32-35
So where is this going? Why was the book written?
To push saints onward to glory. To remind them that in spite of the temporary suffering that may lie before them, it is nothing in comparison to trampling under foot the Son of God. Moreover, even if they wanted to turn back, there was nothing to go back to. Christ is better. Long ago God spoke to our fathers in one way. Now, he has spoken to us in His powerful Son. Long ago, God delivered his words by way of angels and prophets. Now, in these last days, revelation is complete and the ages are wrapped up in Christ. The purpose statement of the entire exhortation can be found in chapter 8 verses 1-2. “Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man.” Jesus is better. Jesus is able. Jesus is interceding for you as the perfect High Priest. Press on. Press forward. Suffer well. He is worth it. There is no turning back.
We worship the God who is. We worship the God who speaks. We worship the Word of God himself who was tempted in all the same ways as we are, yet without sin. In former times God delivered his revelation by way of lesser ministers. He delivered true, yet incomplete, guidance and commands to His people. Yet during the time of the letter, that age was quickly passing away. (Heb 8:13) The scaffolding is coming down. The building project is nearing completion. (For more on the passing away of the old age see also: Acts 2:14-36, Joel 2:18-27, Rom 13:11-12, 1 Cor 10:11, Gal 4:4, 1 Pt 1:20, 1 John 2:8)
God could have left us without a clue or direction. He was not obligated to speak to us. Yet the same God who spoke the heavens into existence, the One who commanded the stars to shine forth, the same Jesus who upholds all of it by the word of His power, this Triune God spoke to humanity. He guided them in the days of the fathers. In the fullness of time he spoke the ultimate Word. This is grace unimaginable. Glory incomprehensible. This is the God who speaks— and if you hear His voice he is speaking to you. Rejoice.