The Son Is Superior
While many religionists focus on angels, this letter shows Jesus to be far superior in every way. The writer has contrasted angels (God's servants and messengers) with the Son of God (Hebrews 1:4-7). Now he describes the Son of God by using God-authorised statements from the Old Testament. Father God said that the Son was also God, seated on a throne as in Psalm 45:6-7: it was a picture of God's Messiah-King. The sceptre was a decorated rod, symbolising the right to rule with wisdom and justice, because Christ's kingdom is marked by justice.
The psalm goes on to identify the character of God the Son. He loves everything which is right and hates everything evil with a pure intensity which sets Him apart from even the most noble man or woman. God the Father sees His own nature fully displayed in His Son: the anointing oil is not just of coronation but also of marriage, for Jesus is the Bridegroom and the church is His bride (Ephesians 5:25-32).
Jesus is also the Creator (Hebrews 1:2) and Sustainer (Hebrews 1:3) - the Lord of the universe. The writer uses Psalm 8:6, originally used of Yahweh, to apply specifically to God the Son. This parallels Psalm 19:1, "... the skies proclaim the work of His hands." However, unlike God, the earth is not eternal. It has a beginning and will have an end. The universe will become as disposable as an old, dirty, worn-out garment, as described in Psalm 102:25-26. But the Son of God remains unchanged, unchanging and unchangable for all eternity.
It is good for us to see Jesus in His glorious majesty, in stark contrast to all the other temporary things and people around us. Like the Hebrews, who were at risk of slipping from their spiritual moorings (Hebrews 2:1), we will also fall away unless we pay careful attention to what God the Father says about God the Son. Jesus is not just a friend of sinners, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world: He is the Creator, the Lord of the universe and the King of justice. He is awesome in every way. To follow Him is not about increasing our health or wealth; it is about taking our privileged place as an honoured citizen in Jesus' eternal kingdom, obeying His rule and holding lightly to the things of this world. As we focus on Him (Hebrews 12:2), we will be able to run straight and persevere through whatever difficulties come.