3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. Hebrews 1:3-4 NIV
I did a study the other day on the first few verses of the book of Hebrews. I find it really profound in how packed it is with truths about who Jesus is. The author of this book says that Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being. So, in other words when I read what Jesus did in the Bible and his words I am seeing exactly what God thinks and is like. I see the heart of God who desires for people to come to him. I see the willingness of God to heal others. I see the power of God in Jesus rising from the dead and healing the sick and causing the blind to see and walking on the water. I see an unlimited, all powerful God who came down for a few years in a human body to show us what God is really like.
Not only that, but the author goes on to say that he is the sustainer of all things. This quite literally means that there is not a moment that goes by that the universe and everything isn't is not sustained by the power of God. Even when people are rebelling against him and walking away from him. Even when people don't give him glory or acknowledge him. His is the power that allows us all to keep breathing and living and he is the one living hope. In Colossians 1 it says it this way:
16 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. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17, NIV
This living hope, sat down at the right hand of God the Father after becoming the sacrifice for our sins and taking our place. Since nobody else could do it for us and we could not save ourselves. He takes that place in sitting down not to rest, but in order to now be our advocate, our high priest, our intercessor before the Father. He sits down at the right hand because that is the place of authority and power as author and sustainer of the universe. He takes that place as the one sinless Lamb of God who is a constant reminder of our redemption. He did what we could not do. In Revelations it says it this way,
6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits[a] of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 9 And they sang a new song, saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign[b] on the earth.” Revelation 5:6-10, NIV
