God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things by 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 on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. 

Hebrews 1:1-4

I hear, recognize and understand the arguments for simpler text, a more seeker friendly version of God’s Word.  However, looking upon the above passage I am instantly decided that no other versioning would properly depict the gravity and the depth of its Holy Spirit inspired construction.  Simply observing that the above is one sentence, immediately makes “simpler” texts suspect, for each clause above is dependent upon the previous statement for structured understanding.  In man’s desire to make it easier for himself he divorces himself from dependence upon the Holy Spirit for discernment.  This text is amazing.  Let us look into what the Holy Spirit shows us within this tiny tract.  And I trust that you will investigate your favorite translation to determine, like the Barean God commanded you to be, if I am correct in my declaration.

What is in a name that its utterance or recognition could make someone more excellent than an entire segment of creation?  What does it mean to obtain a name by inheritance?  Is Word more powerful than thought?  Remember we are to meditate on God’s Word day and night, why?  What is so powerful that if I were to contemplate an idea over and again it would somehow become written upon my heart?  How does the “Anointed One Savior”(Jesus the Christ) properly describe a King of Kings?  Why is Jesus the “Word”?  How can someone be made so much better than the angels and not be God?  Doesn’t sitting at the right hand denote equality to a capitalized word, “Majesty”, which is the LORD God Himself?  This passage states that Jesus himself, purged our sins and upholds all things by the word of his power.

This passage says that Jesus is the express image and the brightness of God’s Glory through whom God made all things.  It pronounces Christ heir of all things that have been made, and as God’s appointed heir has been conveying God’s Word to faithful as God previously had done through prophets in sundry times and diverse places.  And the most amazing thing about this passage is that God is clearly the subject at the beginning but the passage miraculously changes subjects to Jesus midway without changing any descriptions.  And what completely knocks me over is that the Holy Spirit, also God, is conveying this entire description about Himself from a seemingly external perspective.  How then am I, a simple man to understand word of this complexity.  To be honest I can’t.  But I know who can and He is my teacher, friend, guide and counselor.  The Holy Spirit who lives in each of us that believe, God with us.  Praise Emmanuel for all His Glory, Devotion and Kindness in leading me to His side through His Word.  The Good Shepherd.  Amen.