The Christology of Hebrews Chapter 1: The Supremacy of Jesus

Hi everyone.

The diary of a faithful scribbler has been silent for quite some time now but a lot has been scribbled in its pages. In the next few days I will share some of the things I have learned from the book of Hebrews because I believe that having a right understanding of the person of Christ is essential to a right understanding of his work.

The author of the book of Hebrews is debatable, but the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is evident. In my opinion, Apostle Paul is unlikely author if Chapter 2 verse 3 is anything to go by because it sounds slightly different from the way Paul usually spoke of himself.

The principal purpose of the book of Hebrews insists on the absolute and unrivalled supremacy of Christ. Interestingly, in this book, especially chapter one, it seems that the SON (JESUS) does not speak for Himself; rather, the FATHER (GOD) speaks concerning the Son.  Here, it is seems that the FATHER is the one telling us what the Son is like.

Chapter one gives us an amazing introduction about the superiority and supremacy of Jesus Christ to prophets and angels. First, Jesus brings a revelation of God superior to that of OT prophets, (v.1-2). Second, God’s pre-existence is evident. Third, God isn’t silent. He speaks to man. At various times and in many ways God spoke to man through prophets. Scheming through the Old Testament, for instance: to Elijah, God spoke by a still small voice, (1 Kings 19); to Moses (Ex. 2), He spoke by a burning bush; by the family crisis, He spoke to Hosea (Hos. 1); by the potter’s wheel, He spoke to Jeremiah (Jer. 18), the list is endless. But in these last days God still speaks to man by His Son Jesus. He is the message and speaks with finality. Jesus is the supreme, ultimate, absolute and superior prophet.

What makes Jesus superior than the OT Prophets? In v.2-4, seven affirmations are given about the unique supremacy/superiority of Jesus Christ:

1. Jesus is the appointed heir of all things, v.2b. (Heir “kleronomos” is a Greek masculine noun that refers to a person who inherits. In Strong’s concordance, “An heir is a person on whom all things are subjected to his sway; the possessor.” Dictionary.com defines an heir as a person who has a right to inherit the rank, title, title of another person either by descent, relationship, will or legal process. “The earth and everything thereof is God’s; the world and all who live in it,” (Psalm 24.1). Jesus is the supreme heir of all that.
2. The universe was made through and by Him, v.2c. Jesus is superior because He created everything. “…for in Him all things were created-things in heaven and on earth; visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. …and in Him all things hold together,” (Col. 1:16-17).
3. Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory, v.3a. Jesus shines forth from the source, God. Though I have never seen the sun, I experience its beam. Same way, I have never seen the Father but through Jesus I have experienced His beaming glory.
4. Jesus is the exact representation of God’s being, v.3b. Jesus is like the Father in Character. “Jesus is the image of the invisible God,” (Col 1:15). In (John 14:9), Philip wanted to know the Father so He asked Jesus to show them the Father and here is what Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don't know who I am? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father! So why are you asking Me to show Him to you?”
5. Jesus sustains all things by His powerful word, v. 3c. If Jesus isn’t in the sustaining equation, everything crumbles. “In him all things hold together,” (Col. 1:17). He sustains His creation with His powerful word. “Man shall not live by bread alone but by ever word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord,” Matt 4:4; Deut. 8:3). By expression of God’s word, the universe came into being; people were healed, demons cast out, nature’s fury stilled and so on. Jesus is superior because He has the ability to sustain His creation.
6. Jesus provided purification for sins, v.3d. Certainly, we cannot purify ourselves except through the provision Jesus made. The shedding of His blood remits our sins. No other detergent is superior to His. Aerial, Omo, Persil, Jik, or any other detergent can remove the stubborn stains of sin.
7. Jesus now sits at the right hand of the majesty in heaven, v. 3e. As you can see, His position is high and it is of paramount importance. It indicates a place of power and sovereignty, invested with Lordship over all. Thus, He is worthy of our allegiance and obedience.

Unquestionably, Jesus is superior to the OT prophets. Now, the second part of this Christology of Hebrews chapter 1:4-14 focuses on the fact that Jesus is superior to angels. What makes Jesus superior than angels? Here is what God had to say about His unrivalled superiority:

Jesus is superior to angels because:

1. He is God’s Son, v. 5. Certainly, no angel is given such individual name-Son.
2. Angels worship and serve Him, v.6. Jesus is the object of angelic worship. He doesn’t worship among them nor does He worship them, rather, they worship Him. They are His servants, v.7.
3. God calls Him God and LORD (Yahweh), v. 8-10.
4. God acknowledges that Jesus is immutable (unchanging), v. 11-2. He remains the same and eternal.
5. He has completed His work and sits at the throne while angels continually serve Him, v. 13-14. Clearly, there are no seats for angels to relax; they are busy serving our supreme Lord Jesus and His saints, v.14.

What shall I say? Undoubtedly, Jesus is the ultimate Supreme Lord worth of our worship, obedience and allegiance.

Regards,

NzakuNashipae

Who_be_The_Ideal_Daddy_of_The_Year!

#Who_be_The_Ideal_Daddy_of_The_Year!
#Fathers_Day
“Anyone can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a daddy,” Anonymous.

So, Father’s Day is loading in just a few. I have a blend of feelings and emotions about it but for now, I’ll shelve expressing it. Who is a father and what’s father’s day all about? Father's Day is a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. By the way, is there a difference between Dad and Father? Merriam Webster defines a father as a “Man who has begotten a child.” Dad on the other hand is “An informal word for father” (Collins Dictionary). It’s assumed that the word dad originated from baby’s first cry, ‘dada.’ Simply, dad and father are synonymous; however, dad implies affection and familiar relationship with a child. Fathers can share the DNA with the child, but may not share responsibility in the child’s growth and development. An ideal father is one who besides fathering a child; he is involved in the child’s holistic growth and development. Fathering is an act of nature, in fact is it easier to become a father, even unintentionally, but it’s much harder to be fatherly, affectionate and be in a familiar relationship with a child.

I came across this on the internet, “A father is someone who believes that by donating his sperm for your creation, he has done his duty in life.” Ouch! That is a sad truth; however, some fathers deserve a round of applause. Today’s society is divided and ambivalent about fatherhood idea. Based on childhood experiences and relationship to our fathers, some people don’t even remember fatherhood-consciously and/or unconsciously. Others get offended by the mere mention of fatherhood. Still, some neglect and/or disdain it; others are not opposed to fatherhood neither are they committed to it. Dear fathers, even as we celebrate you, I wish to remind you that your duty as a father doesn’t end in being a progenitor to that child. Fatherhood is divine in origin. It’s a 24/7 work which requires sacrifice; and the most indispensable work as a father is to be a man of God to your children and to turn their hearts to their heavenly Father.

Now, who is and what are the characteristics of an ideal daddy? Well, personally I missed out on the fatherliness figure in my early childhood, adolescence and now in my prime time but at least I have a vision of the kind of daddy I covet my children to have. (Dear future hubby, I pray you are reading this from wherever you are.) Come with me and let’s take a keen look at one ideal daddy in the Bible. This daddy is none other than Job. As we celebrate Father’s day-the ideal father of the year, let’s look at these characteristics:

1. An ideal daddy of the year has a good reputation, (Job 1:1).
 He is blameless, upright, fears God and shuns evil. What a testimony! Dear fathers, as we celebrate you, remember to practice these things: fear God and shun evil. Do not neglect the testimony of your reputation in your children’s lives.
2. An ideal daddy of the year has a complete family and is the greatest among all men, (v. 2-3).
 What? Ok, don’t panic, this has nothing to do with wealth but it’s about the quality of life. Do not neglect the influence of quality of your life on your family and the people around you.
3. An ideal daddy of the year is socially involved with his children, (v.4).
 Awwww, imagine all your children coming together in fellowship and feating! Please daddy, cultivate this fellowship, its crucial. It is sad there are siblings that can’t see eye to eye and daddy can’t do anything.
4. An ideal daddy of the year takes up the priestly responsibility and is involved in the spiritual lives of his children, (v.5).
 Daddy Job understood the egotism of youth, he wasn’t ignorant of the bad choices his children could make while in the feasting; he was concerned they might curse God in their hearts. So, he made arrangements for their cleansing and early in the morning he made a burnt sacrifice for each.
 Wow! An ideal daddy is concerned about the salvation of his children and their spiritual wellbeing. Dear fathers, do not neglect the influence of righteous living in your family. Build godly character in your children’s lives.
 Be involved in their spiritual life, like Job and also Elkanah, serve God together with your children; train them to worship God appropriately and also apportion them individual portions for sacrifice to God, (1 Samuel 1:4,21).
5. An ideal daddy is resolute in faith, worships and is faithful even in the face of tragedy and spiritual test, (v.6-22).
 Daddy, your motivation for God shouldn’t be based on God’s blessings upon your life. Let your children know that you love God for who He is not for what you have.
 Should tragedy hit you right left and centre; should your loved ones forsake you, just know that it is natural to be emotionally broken. Don’t be embarrassed to cry. I know my African culture says that a real man does not cry, but I personally don’t subscribe to that thought. It is natural to feel broken and grief stricken, do not withhold natural responses.
 However, even if/when you are emotionally broken, your faith can still remain resolute. It’s not easy but God’s grace is enough for you. In your brokenness, do not curse God, but remember to worship Him and stay faithful. Do not neglect the influence of your worship and resolute faith and faithfulness to God.

Finally, dear fathers, you don’t have to be supermen. But all I ask and pray for you is that your reputation, greatness/quality of life, social and spiritual involvement, priestly responsibility and resolute faith, worship and faithfulness will have an influence on your children.

Happy Father’s Day,

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: #Beauty_With_Dignity

KACHELBELA: #Beauty_With_Dignity: Nzaku Nashipae 15 hrs  ·  Dear Diary, # Must_I_Show_Off_What_Mama_Gave_Me ?   # Guarding_The_Dignity_of_My_Body...

KACHELBELA: #Excellence #Eloquence #Accuracy #Teachable

KACHELBELA: #Excellence #Eloquence #Accuracy #Teachable: Dear Diary, # Apollos_A_Man_of_Excellence # No_to_Mediocrity In my devotion today, I encountered another man in Acts 18:24-28 whose qu...

KACHELBELA: #The_Civil_Suit_that_GodtheJudge_ruled_in_Favor_of...

KACHELBELA: #The_Civil_Suit_that_GodtheJudge_ruled_in_Favor_of...: Nzaku Nashipae May 30 at 3:32pm  ·  # The_Civil_Suit_that_GodtheJudge_ruled_in_Favor_of_the_Plaintiff # Mahlah_et_al...

#The_Civil_Suit_that_GodtheJudge_ruled_in_Favor_of_the_Plaintiff

Nzaku Nashipae

May 30 at 3:32pm · 

#The_Civil_Suit_that_GodtheJudge_ruled_in_Favor_of_the_Plaintiff
#Mahlah_et_al_vs_God
#A_Fusion_of_Faith_Wisdom_Courage
#God_Can_Use_you_to_bring_Change

In Numbers 27, I met with 5 fearless women who got me thinking loud. A man named Zelophehad died. He left behind five daughters, but no sons. The rules were clear about inheritance: Sons could inherit their father’s land but daughters could not. The five daughters of Zelophehad boldly approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, the chiefs and all the congregation at the Tent of Meeting and challenged the rule. Well, before we hear this case, allow me to give a disclaimer: today, we’re not in the Bible times, we have the Bible, the rules are set; they’re final and unchangeable and we can no longer do what Zelophehad’s daughters-Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah did. So this post is not about arm-twisting God to change or bend some rules.

So, what can we learn from this women? Put yourself in their shoes, what would you have done? They were single ladies, orphaned and in the Jewish culture, it seems women were not numbered. In such a state probably they’d have had pity parties but instead they took a bold and wise move. They came forward and stood before the leadership and filed their appeal. Ok, women standing before men to challenge a rule, especially a “Thus sayeth the Lord” rule! That was not popular. Now, take note, they didn’t go in arrogance but in wisdom and humility. So Moses and his leadership listened and Moses took the matter straight to God. And you know what? God, the just Judge ruled in their favour. In fact the Lord said to Moses in v.7 “The request of the daughters of Zelophehad is justified. You shall certainly give them a possession as an inheritance among their father’s brothers, and you shall transfer their father’s inheritance to them.” Further the rule was revised and now daughters could inherit their father’s land. Definitely, today we cannot make God bend or change His rules. Thing is, we can approach the throne of God boldly, humbly and wisely to petition Him to intervene in our situations. Hebrews 4:16, Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” On the other hand, we can challenge injustices that are being endorsed in our country and champion for justice for the widows, orphans and children among others.

In chapter 26, the Promised Land was being divided among the people. The generation that went before them were fearful about entering the Promised Land and as a consequence they all died in the wilderness, including Zelophehad and did not get to enter the Promised Land. But these women believed the Promised Land was good and they wanted an inheritance there. These women did not live for the present; they had faith in God’s promises. Do you have faith in God’s promises? Are you willing to stand before His throne to present your requests?

These 5 women had the courage to approach Moses and his leaders to make a transformation! As a result of their faith, courage, wisdom and humility, they were given a share just the same as the men. They not only gained an inheritance for themselves but for ALL women, in this situation, for generations to come! Wow! These were indeed agents of change! Are you willing to be the voice for the less fortunate? Are you and willing to speak against injustices being enacted against men, women; young and old; children? For sure God can use you and I to bring change in the world.

Kazi kwako!

Faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae

#Excellence #Eloquence #Accuracy #Teachable

Dear Diary,

#Apollos_A_Man_of_Excellence
#No_to_Mediocrity

In my devotion today, I encountered another man in Acts 18:24-28 whose qualities are worth considering. From Dr. Luke's description of this itinerant dude there's something to learn from him generally as a man and as a preacher.

1. Apollos was an eloquent, cultured and knowledgeable man, v.24. First, he was eloquent. It is important to learn to speak out and express yourself clearly and powerfully. Second, he was cultured. Well, having a refined taste and manners; being enlightened and well informed, whether an ordinary man or a preacher, it's of paramount importance to be well-mannered. Third, it good to be knowledgeable. Knowledge is good and the more you know the more you learn. Knowledge improves your thought process and gives you confidence and importantly, you can apply what you know and learn. How much more when you know God, His word and will for your life?

2. Apollos was fervent, he was impassioned/ardent/wholehearted, v. 25. Now, you need to have passion for what you do. Be passionate about God and His word.

3. Apollos was careful, excellent and presented the truth accurately, v. 25. Accuracy and precision are tied together. Some mistakes are intolerable and others are fatal. Men ought to present the truth, especially God's truth carefully and accurately.

4. Apollos was a courageous orator, v.26. You will face too many competing agendas, polarizing personalities, complexity and uncertainties but as a man, whether ordinary or a preacher, you need courage to defend your faith. Stand for what you believe.. courage is a healthy sense of pride and it gives you influence.

5. Apollos was a teachable man, v. 26. He willingly submitted under the tuition of Aquila and Priscilla and his knowledge and understanding was enriched. Be sort of Berean, receive good teaching about God with eagerness. Be teachable.

Regards,
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: #A_Worshipper_Loving_Loyal_Hubby_and_Successful_Da...

KACHELBELA: #A_Worshipper_Loving_Loyal_Hubby_and_Successful_Da...: Nzaku Nashipae 4 mins  ·  Dear Diary, # A_Worshipper_Loving_Loyal_Hubby_and_Successful_Dad # Dear_Future_Husband ...

#A_Worshipper_Loving_Loyal_Hubby_and_Successful_Dad

Nzaku Nashipae

4 mins · 

Dear Diary,

#A_Worshipper_Loving_Loyal_Hubby_and_Successful_Dad
#Dear_Future_Husband, I hereby introduce you to #Elkanah. Am hopeful you pick this three qualities from him. There's something about this man that caught my eye. Who doesn't want such a man for a hubby and a father to the fruit of her womb?

Well, I didn't have the luxury of being daddy's little big girl. I wonder what'd have been like to grow with him. Anyway, I am hopeful that someone would get inspired by this scribble. In the past few days, I reflected on Abigail, a beautiful and intelligent woman; Jochebed, a woman whose children were great leaders; and Vashti, a woman who possessed beauty mingled with dignity. I only pray to have these qualities too. Today I shift my focus on #Elkanah. A worshipper and servant of God; a loving and loyal husband; and a successful father. Let's take a look at this man.

He was a worshipper of God, 1 Sam. 1:3. Year after year, he went up worship and sacrifice to the LORD Almighty at Shiloh. Notice, he did not go to worship alone. His family accompanied him, v. 21. Not only did he go to service with his family, he also trained them to worship by supplying them with individual portions for sacrifice to God, v.4. Now, fathers need to train their children to worship the Lord appropriately. I didn't have the luxury of learning to worship YAHWEH from daddy but mama came in handy. Je, ka ni buda angeniteach, si ningekuwa mnoma zaidi!

The second quality in this man made me go, "Awwwww :)" Elkanah loved is wife Hannah, v.5. See, to her, Elkanah gave a double portion of worship supplies because he loved her. To him, she was more than 10 sons. Husbands are to love their wives, Eph. 5:25. Someone said, "The best thing a father can do for his children is to be a good husband to their mother." Hapo, siongezi neno! Men, love your wives! Love them as you love yourself. Future hubby, take note.

The third heart-catching quality, Elkanah was involved in parenting his children. Hannah prayed to God for a son and promised to devote him to service to Him if her prayer were answered, v.11. Elkanah concurred with her decision and allowed his son Samuel to be given to Eli, the priest, v.21-24. Be there, get involved in parenting. Cooperate with mama in raising your children and pamoja dedicate them to God.

#Pamoja_Tuangamize_Deadbeat_Dads
#Worshipper #Lover #Daddy

Ni hayo tu kwa sasa from a faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae

#Beauty_With_Dignity

Nzaku Nashipae

15 hrs · 

Dear Diary,

#Must_I_Show_Off_What_Mama_Gave_Me? 

#Guarding_The_Dignity_of_My_Body

#Beauty_With_Dignity.

Show off what mama gave you? Once again, come with me to meet #Queen_Vashti, Esther 1:1-2:1. Vashti was a Persian princess possessing along with her royalty, remarkable beauty. Her husband (Ahasuerus/Xerxes) was a king who reigned from India to Ethiopia over 127 provinces, v.1. Draperies of fine white and violet linen; couches of gold and silver; mosaic floor of porphyry; marble, mother-of-pearl, precious colored stones; drinks served in golden goblets and plentiful royal wine, describe the splendor of his palace, v.7-8.

During the 3rd year of his reign, this king held a 180-day banquet for all his officials and attendants. Army officers from Persia and Media, the nobles and the officials of the provinces were in attendance. He displayed the riches of his glorious kingdom, v. 1-4. When these days were completed, the king held a banquet for all the people who were present at the citadel in Susa, the capital of Persia, from the greatest in importance to the least, a seven-day feast in the courtyard of the garden of the king’s palace, v.5-6. On the 7th day the king was totally drunk and in high spirit, he commanded his seven eunuchs who served as his attendants to bring Queen Vashti before him, wearing her royal crown, to display her beauty before the people for she was lovely to see, v.10-11. Interestingly, she refused to come at the king’s command, v.12. The King burned with rage; he consulted the wise men of the days that were well competent with legal matters. They advised him to strip Vashti of her royal position. Fast-forward, Vashti was divorced and dismissed from her royalty. Persian law once made could never be revoked, Ahasuerus, now sober, and possibly regretful could not reinstate Vashti, and thus Esther was chosen to succeed her as queen, v. 2:1.

I bet Vashti knew and understood what the consequences of her refusal would entail but she stood strong i self-respect. Rather than lower the banner of her dignity, Vashti accepted disgrace and dismissal. Her noble scorn at her threatened indignity deserve greater recognition. Vashti put on a crown which was no man could give or take away. Dear lady, I know you got beauty with brains, how about mingling it with some dignity? Don't let anyone dare to infringe upon your noble feminine dignity. No one should squash on your dignity and decency. Vashti’s self-respect and high character meant more to her than palace luxury. Rather than gratify the vanity and sensuality of drunkards, she courageously maintained her dignity. She chose deposition rather than dishonor.

As a modern woman, it is worth guarding the dignity of your body. Pay the price of your self-respect. Don’t compromise your dignity.

Faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae