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September 9 | Hebrews 1:5b; Psalm 89:19-37


DAILY READING


REFLECTION

 

Jesus is the Greatest

By Pam Mann


In sports, people talk about the G.O.A.T., the greatest of all time. U.S. boxer Mohammed Ali said that he was greatest. U.S. gymnast Simone Biles wears a diamond GOAT necklace. Of course, it’s not just in sports that we talk of being the greatest. I know a grandpa who claims his grandchildren’s first words were: “Grandpa’s the greatest.” His grandchildren are great at rolling their eyes. Many of us say to someone who has just saved the day: “You’re the greatest!”

But, let’s face it: few people are truly great, to say nothing of being the greatest, in anything.

In the letter to the Hebrews, its writer wants us to know Jesus is the greatest. Imagine that. The perfect Lamb of God is the G.O.A.T.


In Hebrews 1:5, the writer begins: to which of the angels did God ever say...?

Angels are pretty great, aren’t they? They battle the powers of darkness wherever God sends. They are His fearless messengers appearing in blindingly white attire with massive wings and awesome strength. What do these wondrous creatures themselves say of the Lamb of God? Check out Revelation 5:11-12. Thousands and thousands of angels cry out:

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!


Clearly, the angels know who is the greatest. What a wonder that Jesus, who is the greatest on a

cosmic level, seeks today to fellowship with each of our souls in tender private intimacy. He wants to comfort us in our sorrow and calm us in our fear. He wants to equip us for service and challenge us to press on in the face of opposition.


The Hebrews writer encourages his first readers and us to hold fast in this precious connection with Jesus when the way is dark and scary. Persecution and perhaps martyrdom awaited these early believers in Jesus. God knows what challenges await us.


Now, while waiting for what the future holds, we have the joy of training in the Spirit. While life is still calm, the Lord invites us to ponder who Jesus is. Though he is the mighty Son of God and the long-awaited Messiah, he is also the one who walks with us and leads us tenderly. He is the one who intercedes for us before the Father, though he knows intimately our weakness and sinfulness.


One day we will join the angels as they shout “Holy!” to the Lamb of God around the throne. But we do not have to wait until then to worship Jesus. We join the birds that sing to him and glorious sunrises that shout to his glory. Whether in private prayer or in corporate worship, our voices can exclaim as the angels do that Jesus is the greatest.


PRAYER

Jesus, we exalt You as Mighty Lord of all, as the precious Son of God who intercedes for us before the Father, as the worthy Lamb of God. We thank you that you call us friends.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR


PAM MANN

I first joined UALC when my husband (then my fiancé) and I were college students involved in youth ministry. God has used UALC to nurture our family’s faith, even in our years outside the U.S. I’ve participated in UALC ministries with kids, art, prayer, exercise, ESL, and Bible teaching. I do all the fun church things.




 
 
 

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