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.”

Wow! What a beginning to the book of Hebrews. This is just the hors d’oeuvres before the banquet. But I have to admit I have been to some banquets where the hors d’oeuvres were as good as the main meal. Do you know what I mean?

What stands out to you in these three brief opening verses? Here’s what I come away with. We are to celebrate the son of God – Jesus Christ. What does it mean to “celebrate?” It means to praise someone or something - to say that someone or something is great or important. Here is what I celebrate this morning:

1. Celebrate God’s great revelation of himself by his son.

“God spoke to our fathers by the prophets.” “In these last days he has spoken to us by his son.”

Isn’t it great that our God is a self revealing God?

2. Celebrate your creator and the sustainer of the universe.

“…through whom he created the world.” “He upholds the universe by the word of his power.”

Isn’t it great that we are not merely a sack of chemicals in the universe of random chance, but that we live in a world of intelligent design, sustained and governed by the living God?

3. Celebrate his deity.

“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature.”

Isn’t it great that Jesus, God the son, condescended to be with us and live among us fully God and fully man?

4. Celebrate his “purification for sins.”

“After making purification for sins...”

Isn’t it great that we who struggle with pride, selfishness, envy, greed, lust, self-righteousness… and all the deep roots sins of our heart, can look to the great act of Christ on the cross whereby he made purification – payment for our sins and then credits us with his righteousness?

5. Celebrate his ascension and coronation at the right hand of the Majesty on high!

“He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”

Isn’t it great that he is exalted in heaven and there receives our happy praises: “Worthy is the Lamb!”?

These are some pretty good hors d’oeuvres to begin the feast in the book of Hebrews!

Musing’s from Pastor John, September 5, Click to Email Pastor John