God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,
Hebrews 1:1 (NASB1995)
In recent months, one of the Bible studies in our church has been in the epistle of Hebrews. It has been a great blessing to us as we delve deep into each verse – in fact, if I remember correctly, the first chapter took us five sessions.
Today, we look at the first verse of this rich epistle. It is an unusual opening in that it does not seek to explain or defend the existence of God, but it assumes the reality of it – similar to “In the beginning God…” (Genesis 1:1). In the first, God “created” – but in Hebrews 1:1, “God spoke.” God spoke to His chosen people throughout Old Testament history, but sadly, they didn’t always listen or heed His Word delivered by His prophets. This relationship is best seen in the repentant prayer of the people over the sins of their ancestors before God at the rebuilding of the walls and temple of Jerusalem:
“However, You bore with them for many years,
And admonished them by Your Spirit through Your prophets,
Yet they would not give ear.
Therefore You gave them into the hand of the peoples of the lands.
“Nevertheless, in Your great compassion You did not make an end of them or forsake them,
For You are a gracious and compassionate God.
Nehemiah 9:30-31
God spoke to them numerous times and in various ways, but they ignored His righteous Words from His prophets. The final proclamation that God is “gracious and compassionate” is a fitting prayer for repentant sinners as they were, and as we are today.
Dear Reader, meditate upon the awesome reality that the Almighty Creator should speak with created man then, and as we will see in the next verse, speak now by His Son. What a Gracious God we worship, brethren!
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Devotional Treasures
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