Christ above the Angels.
I. It is very wonderful how, in God's ways, fixed necessity and liberty go hand in hand. From all eternity Jesus is appointed the Son of David; but the development of history goes through liberty, the exercise of faith, of hope, of patience, of joy, of suffering. Everything that is human is in sweetest harmony with that unfailing and unchangeable purpose of God's love which must surely come to pass.
II. Humanity in the person of Messiah is exalted far above any creature. The consummation of all history, and the perfect manifestation of God's glory to the rejoicing adoration of angels and men, will be in the Lord Jesus, who is not ashamed to call us brethren, who is one with us by a link which can never be severed. Holiness and goodness are worthy of adoration only in their essence and source. He, whom holy angels are called by God to worship, must be essential holiness, goodness, love must be none other but the infinite and eternal, the ever blessed and co-equal Son of the Most High.
III. How near is Jesus unto us, although He is high above us. This is the very reason why God has exalted Him; this is the reason why He is so high above everything, above all powers and dominions; that He who has all power and love may be visible and accessible; that every one may see Him and draw near to Him; that out of the lowest depths we may behold Him, and that from the utmost corner of the land we may cry unto Him and be saved. He is high above us, that looking unto Him, the Author and Finisher of faith, unto Him who through the Cross entered unto glory, seeing Him constantly above us, the Lamb in the midst of the throne, we may run with patience the race set before us.
A. Saphir, Expository Lectures on the Hebrews,vol. i., p. 70.
References: Hebrews 1:4. Preacher's Monthly,vol. iv., p 60. Hebrews 1:4-14. Homiletic Quarterly,vol. i., p. 42; R. W. Dale, The Jewish Temple and the Christian Church,p. 23.Hebrews 1:5. Expositor,1st series, vol. i., pp. 185, 297; Clergyman's Magazine,vol. v., p. 31; J. Vaughan, Sermons,14th series, p. 149.