Sunday, 12 August 2018
Like a cloak You will fold them up,
And they will be changed.
But You are the same,
And Your years will not fail.” Hebrews 1:12
This continues the quote found in Psalm 102, specifically verses 26 & 27 –
“Like a cloak You will change them,
And they will be changed.
27 But You are the same,
And Your years will have no end.”
The “cloak” referred to here is found only in 1 Corinthians 11:15 and in this verse. It signifies “that which is thrown around,” and thus it is a covering like a mantle or cloak as an outer garment. The “heavens” of verse 10 are said to be destined to perish, wearing out like a garment. Because of this, the Son will literally roll them up (as the Greek signifies), and in so doing, they will be changed.
In the Old Testament, the heavens are described like an expanse which is spread out. One can think of how a tent or a scroll of parchment is rolled out. This is the thought which is now being referred to, but in reverse. As they were once rolled out, they will be rolled up, and a new expanse will be revealed in their place. This will be the new heavens and the new earth that Peter speaks of in 2 Peter 3.
With this in mind, we are then given a contrast in the Son. The thing which seems so enduring, and even permanent – meaning the heavens – is destined to wear out and be replaced. But of the Son, it says, “You are the same.” The heavens change; the Son remains unchanged in the process. The amazing event of the changing of the heavens will not affect the Son. They are created matter and are thus in time. But the Son is eternal. Because of this, the author – repeating the psalm – then says, “And Your years will not fail.” The meaning is that they will never end.
Though the current heavens and earth are temporary and will come to an end, the Son is unaffected by this. Because He was prior to creation, He is outside of His creation. When the order is changed, He will continue unaffected by that change; He is immutable.
There can be no doubt as to the nature of the Son. The attributes and properties which are ascribed to the Lord God (Yehovah Elohim) of the Old Testament are now referring to the Son of God, Jesus Christ, in the New. Even a child can understand what is being said here, if presented with the evidence. Jesus Christ is the Lord God.
Life application: There should be no doubt in one’s mind concerning the deity of Jesus. If there is, it is based on presuppositions which have been taught into that person’s mind. If one comes to the Bible and simply take its words at face value, no other conclusion can be arrived at than that Jesus is the Lord God (Yehovah Elohim).
Lord God Almighty! It is You who created all things. You were there before they came into existence, and by the breath of Your mouth – by Your spoken Word – all things exist. As the world wears out, and as the heavens wear away, they will be rolled up and replaced. But You, O God, remain unchanged. We serve absolute greatness when we serve You. How great Thou art, O God! Hallelujah and Amen!