Friday, December 20, 2013

Day 20: Let All the Angels of God Worship Him - Scene 4 (34-35)

HEART HEARING

Movements 34-35
(1:28:56-1:29:13)


Scene 4 - "God discloses his identity in Heaven"

34. Secco recitative (Tenor)


Unto which of the angels said He at any time, "Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee?" (Hebrews 1:5a, Psalm 2:7)


35. Chorus


Let all the angels of God worship Him. (Hebrews 1:6b)


Throughout the chorus, there are different pairs of voices stating Hebrews 1:6b over and over and over again. God has disclosed the identity of Jesus as the Son of God, and the angelic choir responds in full-out worship of the Son!


MIND MEDITATION


Hebrews 1

The book of Hebrews was written to encourage Jewish believers who wanted to slip back into Judaism because the persecution was getting tough. The author wanted to show them that Jesus was superior to prophets, angels, and priests. Chapter 1 focuses on His deity as the Son of God that even the angels worship.


God had spoken through the prophets in the past, but that Old Testament prophetic revelation has now reached a climax in His Son! This is it! The Scarlet Thread of Redemption comes to its zenith in Jesus. WOOHOO! It was a long time getting here, but aren't you glad you came? He is the heir of all things and Creator of the universe (1:2). On top of all that . . . 

. . . He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. . . (1:3)
WOOOHOOO!

Christ is not only superior to the prophets but also superior to the angels, and the writer demonstrates this by comparing Christ's greatness to that of the angels using Old Testament Psalms:

1:5, 6 - Psalm 2:7; 97:7
1:7, 14 - Psalm 104:4
1:8, 9 - Psalm 45:6
1:10 - Psalm 102:25
1:13 - Psalm 110:1


In Hebrews 1:5-6, God speaks to the new King. This affirms the Kingly Sonship of Jesus that falls in line with the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7). Paul also quotes it in Acts 13:33 in reference to the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus.  In quoting Psalm 2:7 and 97:7, the writer of Hebrews is exhorting all his servant angels (Hebrews 1:7, 14) to worship this newly enthroned King of all kings, superior in every way. 

But of the Son He says,  
Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, 
And the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom. 
You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; 
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You 
With the oil of gladness above Your companions.” 
(Hebrews 1:8,9 quoting Psalm 45:6, 7)

SOUL SEARCHING

Jesus is enthroned at the right hand of the Father in heaven now (Hebrews 1:3). Are you worshiping at the throne during this busy and hectic time or are you just barely keeping your head above water with all the shopping, baking, and partying that comes along with the season?


Is it the season to be shopping and stressing

or

seeing the King in all His glory? 


The choice you make between these two options will probably make the difference in your enjoyment of this holy time of year.


STRENGTH STRETCHING

In these final days before Christmas, commit yourself to daily worship at His throne. Imagine Him seated at the Father's right hand. Sing those Christmas Carols and WORSHIP!


Come let us adore Him
Christ, the King!

1 comment:

Carol Ann Weaver said...

I really glad I switched to this YouTube. Too bad I didn't find it until the middle of Messiah, but I do like all the creative ways people interpret the music!