Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 (NRSV)
Read Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 1Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, Verse 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. Verse 3He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
Verse 4having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
Verse 5Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels. Verse 6But someone has testified somewhere, "What are human beings that you are mindful of them, or mortals, that you care for them? Verse 7You have made them for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned them with glory and honor, Verse 8subjecting all things under their feet." Now in subjecting all things to them, God left nothing outside their control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to them, Verse 9but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
Verse 10It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Verse 11For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, Verse 12saying, "I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you."
Devotion
Did you know God crowns you with glory and honor by placing all things at your feet? God calls humans to be in charge. What an inspiring and overwhelming gift! While humanity always divides suffering and glory, the cross and honor, Hebrews reminds us that God operates through unity in tension. Glamorous authority brings with it trials of responsibility. As Shakespeare wrote in Henry IV, “Heavy hangs the head that wears the crown.” Despite God’s gift of glory and honor, oppression can numb and make life small and limited.
In Myanmar, like many other parts of the world, natural resources are unequally distributed. The wealthy few that have networked with the government prosper. Humans become commodities for profit through brutal means, and corruption runs rampant so that one can procure enough on which to live. In the midst of darkness, Myanmar Christians live with vibrant hope that God will provide means for people to lead with the authority and responsibility God has given them.
Prayer
God who sanctifies, you have conquered the powers of sin, death and the devil. Thank you! Save us now from resigning weakly to the evil we do not want to do, but which somehow draws us into darkness. Power and authority can mesmerize us and we quickly forget how glory is inextricably bound with suffering. Let our gaze never be turned away from your face, Lord Jesus. Amen.