Weekly Devotional - Aaron Green

"In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe." -Hebrews 1:1-2

There is much debate over what exactly is meant by 'last days'. Is the writer of Hebrews speaking about the end of the world, or the end of an era? If we take the traditional understanding of Hebrews being written around 62 or 63 A.D., let's go with 63 A.D. for argument's sake, then within seven years, Peter and Paul will killed in Rome by Emperor Nero, the Jewish wars will begin with Rome in 66 A.D., and the Temple will be destroyed, 'not one stone left on top of one another' in 70. It will be a time of great distress and confusion. Their world is quite literally falling apart. A new home and identity will be needed. The writer of Hebrews comes along just in time it seems to assure its readers that everything will be okay- God has prepared for such a time as this. Jesus, our messiah, has warned us of such things, and He is with us, to the very end of the age He said. These words should be taken on the same level as the Law and the Prophets. Now, 2,000 years later, the world may not be falling apart at the seams quite like it was then, but we face uncertainty, some chaos, some confusing moments in our life, and yet the promises recorded in Hebrews all those many years ago has still been preserved for us today. It's something only the inspired Word of God could do; survive all these many years and still be relevant to us today. Therefore, we cling to its words as if they are freshly revealed to us as well. The call in the book of Hebrews is to press forward in our faith and trust. To not be weighed down by fear and anxiety, but to know that even if our very lives are taken, our unwavering faith involves trusting that the very next moment we experience after breathing our last breath is the resurrection of our bodies and souls into the very presence of God where all things are made well. We no longer need a temple for we all are the temple. The Holy Spirit of God resides within us, and there is now no longer a need for continual sacrifices as Jesus, Son of God, and our great high priest has offered an ultimate sacrifice on our behalf. God is for us! What have we to fear? Press on all who are faithful to the very end!

-Aaron