God Has Spoken Through His Son

Norma Jean and I are in Temple Terrace, Florida, this week attending the Florida College Lectures. I have been blessed to attend every year since 1966.

This year’s theme is from the book of Hebrews, “We Have a Great High Priest.” Last night, to a packed house, preceded by a spirited period of singing led by Adam Olson, Ryan Boyer, presented the keynote address–“God Has Spoken to Us in His Son.”

This affirmation is found in the first three verses of chapter one.

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”

In the lecture book Ryan observed that the opening verses introduce “Jesus as a superior prophet, priest, and King.”

#1 Jesus, God’s Spokesman.

A prophet as defined in the Old Testament is a mouth for God. Moses’ brother, Aaron, served as a “mouth” for him and is called his prophet. (Ex. 4:16; 7:1-2). In a similar fashion, Jesus is God’s “mouth” today.

In past times God used various means to communicate to people. He spoke directly. He used angels. Communicated through dreams. He spoke to Moses through the burning bush. He sent His prophets. Once he even spoke through the mouth of a donkey.

Today, however, Jesus is God’s spokesman. His voice thunders from heaven and proclaims. “This is my beloved Son…hear Him” (Matt. 17:5).

#2 Jesus, The Priest.

Ryan quotes Gerry Breshears who says, “A priest does work before God in the place of another. He is an intermediary, representing another person in the presence of God and bringing the presence of God to the person.”

The Hebrew writer affirms that Jesus is that priest. In fact, a great High Priest (Heb. 4:14).

#3 Jesus, the King.

Jehovah anointed His Son as King over His people according the Davidic covenant (2 Sam. 7:12-16). The apostle Paul hails Jesus as “the King of kings (1 Tim. 6:15).

In the imagery of the Old Treatment character Melchizedek, Jesus did the work assigned to all three positions–prophet, priest, and King.

The Greatness of God’s Spokesman

Ryan outlined Jesus’ greatness, glory and magnificence by noting His 7 fold description by the Hebrew writer.

#1 Jesus was “appointed heir of all things.” He possesses dominion over all creation.

#2 Jesus is the one through whom “{God} created the world.” Indeed, “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made” (Jn. 1:3).

#3 Jesus is “the radiance of God’s glory.” The true light of the world.

#4 Jesus is “the exact imprint of his nature.” He shares the Father’s characteristics and very essence.

#5 Jesus “upholds the universe by the word of his power.” He is the glue that holds everything together.

#6 Jesus “purged our sins.” He’s our means of spiritual purification.

#7 Jesus “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” That symbolized His power, strength, and glory.

Jesus was more than a mere man. He was God in the flesh. His Word resounds with absolute authority. Thus, we honor and listen to Him. Not angels. Not some self-proclaimed religious leaders. Not some self-appointed prophets.

Ryan concluded by offering two important takeaways from this text.

#1 When you realize how great He is, you would be “out of your mind to walk away from Jesus.” Fix. Your. Eyes. On. Jesus. (Heb. 12:2)

#2 Jesus is the pattern for who I’m created to be. In the very beginning the Father and the Son created us in His likeness and after His image (Gen. 1:26). As Paul wrote, to be, “conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29). To become like Christ.

Finally, Ryan reminded us that whatever we do in life, to focus on and fulfil the Lord’s purpose. And to begin each day with this simple prayer: “Dear Lord, help me today to do your work, and to take care of your stuff.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman