Jesus, son and heir
Day 652, Monday, May 25
Hebrews Chapters 1 – 3
While some older English-language Bibles refer to Hebrews and “Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews,” the letter itself does not identify Paul as the author. For centuries scholars have speculated as to who wrote the letter (or if it was originally written as a letter at all). Suggestions have ranged from Apollos to Priscilla to Aquila to an anonymous writer.
What is generally agreed on is that this letter or sermon is mainly addressed to Jewish—Hebrew—followers of Jesus. It emphasizes the arrival of Jesus as a culmination of the Old Testament. Jesus, the messiah, is a great high priest. His priestly role, not his kingly role, is prominent. His message does not counter that of the prophets, but is a fresh presentation of that message.
“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by the Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.”
While the priests of the Old Testament provided purification that was limited and had to be repeated, Jesus went further. “After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Monday meditation

Psalms 124:1-8
If the Lord had not been on our side—let Israel say—if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us, they would have swallowed us alive when their anger flared against us; the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away.
Praise be to the Lord, who has not let us be torn by their teeth. We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Prayer focus
Purify us, God, and make us clean for your use.