Better Things

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The Book of Hebrews is a no-nonsense but softspoken arrest of the religion of Judah, the roots of which can be accurately traced to Moses and the ancestors of the Jewish people. The writer calls all of the sources “prophets” then proceeds to show these prophets as inferior and the new speaker – the Son of God – as superior and final.

  1. Son is better than “messenger”, “servant”, “prophet”, or “angel”. (Heb. 1:4)
  2. Salvation distinguishes these better things. (Heb. 6:9)
  3. There is no controversy that the greater blesses the inferior. (Heb. 7:7)
  4. Law is eclipsed by the entrance of hope. (Heb. 7:19)
  5. The oath makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. (Heb. 7:22)
  6. Christ has a ministry and mediates a covenant that exceeds the old by being founded on better promises. (Heb. 8:6)
  7. Better sacrifices are necessary in order to exceed the pattern for the priesthood and its services. (Heb. 9:23)
  8. A better possession meant that bonds or the plunder of their property could be endured with grace. (Heb. 10:34)
  9. God is not ashamed to be called the god of people who look for a better city. (Heb. 11:16)
  10. Women who expected a better life following resurrection did not look for release from the torture they faced (Heb. 11:35)
  11. God provides something better for all (ancient and modern people) to inherit at the same tome together. (Heb. 11:40)
  12. Opposite Sinai is a (1) New Covenant, (2) effective mediation, (3) Jesus, (4) blood sprinkling that outdoes the function of Abel’s blood. (Heb. 12:24)

If a Jew in spite of this exposition wants to keep following Moses and the traditions of the elders and ancestors he would be most foolish, void of good judgment. What shall we say when Gentiles try to turn the business of the Son into the very business on which he came to close the door?

Perhaps “Woe” comes to mind, yet it remains for us to make every effort to stay grounded in the Son not in the ancient prophets, any prophet, any messenger or even an angel from heaven. It remains for us to work for souls to see God’s love in the Scriptures and in us and be drawn to his better things.