Bible Diary - Hebrews 2:5-18
May 11, 2008
With the exalted Jesus still squarely in focus, the writer of Hebrews uses Psalm 8 to show how it helps us understand the incarnation. It also provides, from our position this side of the Cross, an example of how the biblical history of redemption is a seamless whole, Old Testament to the New Testament.
Exposition of Psalm 8: Jesus and the Destiny of Humanity
2:5 For he did not put the world to come, about which we are speaking, under the control of angels. 2:6 Instead someone testified somewhere:
“What is man that you think of him or the son of man that you care for him?2:7 You made him lower than the angels for a little while.
You crowned him with glory and honor.
2:8 You put all things under his control.”
For when he put all things under his control, he left nothing outside of his control. At present we do not yet see all things under his control, 2:9 but we see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by God’s grace he would experience death on behalf of everyone. 2:10 For it was fitting for him, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 2:11 For indeed he who makes holy and those being made holy all have the same origin, and so he is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, 2:12 saying, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers; in the midst of the assembly I will praise you.” 2:13 Again he says, “I will be confident in him,” and again, “Here I am, with the children God has given me.” 2:14 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, he likewise shared in their humanity, so that through death he could destroy the one who holds the power of death (that is, the devil), 2:15 and set free those who were held in slavery all their lives by their fear of death. 2:16 For surely his concern is not for angels, but he is concerned for Abraham’s descendants. 2:17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in things relating to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. 2:18 For since he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
In my devotional reading of this passage, I see several important aspects of God’s relationship with Jesus (son of man) and with mankind (me). The purpose of sending his Son was to open a communications link between God and man through the Son. During Jesus’ life on earth, he was for a while “lower than the angels.” My path to God does not involve angels; it is mediated directly by Jesus. He is our “Pioneer” in the faith.
Another truth is that Jesus was raised to a position of preeminence with God, who put all things under his control, even though we cannot yet see that. Why can’t I see it? I think that one reason must be that Jesus’ ultimate control over creation will not be completed until he returns at the end of history. According to Revelation, this will not be without a final fight with Satan, but Jesus will ultimately prevail and Satan will be defeated, once and for all. (I sneaked a peek at the end of the book.)
Because God, in Jesus, identified with mankind and “adopted” us into God’s family, I can confidently know that I number with the “children of God.” This is in many ways a mysterious relationship now, but the relationship will be made manifest to me after I have run my earthly course.
Practically speaking, I can now live a life of hope regardless of my circumstances. My position in God’s economy is assured, and this exposition of Psalm 8 helps me to understand this.
Dave
-sdg-
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