The Final Word
Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-4 (ESV) "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 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. 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, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs."
Devotion
Imagine a series of letters arriving from a loved one over the years, each one revealing more about their life and dreams. As wonderful as these letters are, they are nothing compared to the day that person steps off a plane and pulls you into a warm and firm hug. That’s what God’s revelation has been like, at least before Jesus came. At first God communicated through prophets across many centuries. But Hebrews begins with a strong statement that that time is truly over. The sending of letters is over, the time for the hug has come. Jesus is the face-to-face revelation of God.
In the past, God's messages came in bits and pieces. His messages were tailed to the times and needs of His people. He would reveal a bit of him self, in the context of Israel fighting a battle, and a little bit more when Israel was going astray because of sin. But each and every one of these snippets were leading to a climax. They were pointers to a greater and better message. Jesus, marked the full and final communication from God. Jesus is the divine Logos, God’s Word wrapped up in the flesh.
Now some in the church have taken this truth and misapplied it. They would say “well if Jesus didn’t say it, I am not going to believe it”. There are Christians who are ‘New Testament only’ believers. Some are ‘red letter only’ believers - citing that in many of our Bible’s today, the words of Jesus himself are written in red. The argument is that since Jesus is the final word from God, then we shouldn’t bother with the rest of the Bible.
But that is to miss the point. Jesus didn’t come in the flesh so that we can ignore 90% of God’s word. He came to show us how that other 90% is meant to be understood. Jesus comes as the "radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being." There is no longer any need to guess what God is like - Jesus makes Him known. If you want to know what God is like - look at Jesus.
As we work through Hebrews - may we see Jesus.
Prayer
Father, thank You for speaking to us through Your Son, Jesus. Help us grasp the enormity of what it means to see You in Him—to know You through Him. Strengthen our faith in His complete work on the cross, where He dealt with our sins once and for all. Let us live today in the full light of His revelation, confident in His power and presence in our lives. Amen.
Spiritual Challenge
Today, reflect on how Jesus being the "exact imprint of God’s nature" affects how you see God and relate to Him. Each time you pray, pause to acknowledge that through Jesus, you are coming to God Himself. Also, consider one way you can demonstrate the reality of Jesus’ life and love to someone who doesn't yet know Him.