Devotion by Eric Norbut
“. . . but to the Son:
Your throne, God,
is forever and ever,
and the scepter of your kingdom
is a scepter of justice.” (Hebrews 1:8)
In Hebrews 1, the writer shows that Jesus is superior to even the angels, and in verse 8, God the Father looks at His Son and calls Him “God.”
The Father doesn’t call the angels “God.” He doesn’t give them an eternal throne. But to the Son, He declares divine identity and everlasting authority.
Here’s the paradox of Advent: this same Jesus who shares God’s throne chose to empty Himself. Before He could inherit all authority, He first humbled Himself in complete obedience to the Father’s will. Philippians tells us He became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
The manger was the beginning of this humble obedience. The Mighty God became a vulnerable baby. The One whose throne lasts forever lay in a feeding trough. The King who wields the scepter of justice allowed wicked men to nail Him to a cross.
Why? Because His kingdom isn’t built on force but on love. His authority was earned through submission. His exaltation and authority came through humility, and his reign will endure forever.
Reflect:
– Where is God asking you to follow Jesus’s example of humble obedience?
Pray:
God, you have exalted your Son to rule with justice forever. Help me to follow His example of obedience and to submit my life to you. Amen.