The Oil of Joy  

     In Hebrews chapter 1, the author quotes Psalm 45:6-7: You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. 

     Loving righteousness and hating wickedness precisely describes Christ while he ministered on earth. Many scriptures reveal his faithfulness to the Father. Jesus repeatedly emphasized that everything he taught he first received from the Father. 

     The author, quoting Psalm 102:25-27: In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe, like a garment they will be hanged. But, you remain the same, and your years will never end.

     If those readers in the first century weren't convinced the Son is greater than angels, he asked, To which of the angels did God ever say, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet?" and "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" 

     We appreciate Abraham, Moses, David and the prophets, even the angel Gabriel. They all had significant roles in OT history, serving the Almighty. Their contributions in service to our Lord paved the way for the arrival of the Incarnation. 

 Next: Sharing in our humanity