The Sixth Sunday of Easter (NTA)

Hebrews 1:1-12

1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,

                  “You are my Son,

      today I have begotten you”?

Or again,               

                  “I will be to him a father,

      and he shall be to me a son”?

6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,

                  “Let all God’s angels worship him.”

7 Of the angels he says,

                  “He makes his angels winds,

      and his ministers a flame of fire.”

8 But of the Son he says,

                  “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,

      the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.

            9       You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;

                  therefore God, your God, has anointed you

      with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”

10 And,

                  “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,

      and the heavens are the work of your hands;

            11       they will perish, but you remain;

      they will all wear out like a garment,

            12       like a robe you will roll them up,

      like a garment they will be changed.

                  But you are the same,

      and your years will have no end.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Heb 1:1–12). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Somebody once told me that everyone dies.  There is part of me that believes this to be true.  I have not know anyone who has ended their life in any other manner.  But at the same time most of the people I actually know are still alive.  St Paul reminds us that when the Lord returns there will still be people alive on earth.  These people certainly should not have to die!

There are also a couple of other biblical figures who did not die, namely Enoch and Elijah.  These two were taken up into heaven without death.  Likewise, we know that Jesus Christ sat down at the right hand of the Father Almighty with Flesh and bone.  But hopefully we all know that Jesus still did die on the cross before he rose to new life.

I know that if I die, death will not hold me.  I have faith in my Lord and Savior that Jesus Christ will return and raise me to new life.  I am certain of this fact.  But I also trust the word of God when he tells us that death will not hold me as it did not hold Jesus.

This is the great part of our text.  The prophets spoke of the resurrection and restoration of the Nation of Israel.  But Jesus Christ speaks of a bodily resurrection and the restoration of God's entire creation.  The people of God will be transformed as one changes a garment.  Jesus has already been transformed.  He lives for eternity and he gives us eternal life through his death and resurrection.

Thus, I know that I have eternal life now.  Just as Jesus said, even though I die yet shall I live!  I have life not because of oxygen or water but because Christ has given me life in his Name.