Monday 10 January 2011

Background

Whoever wrote Hebrews, wrote a masterpiece. Sometimes it is hardgoing. Often the theology is intense and to understand a lot of theimagery you need several commentaries open around you. But at thesame time, the sheer majesty and wonder of the text can pick us upand sweep us along without the commentaries and scholarship.

Here the author reminds us about an important characteristic of God- that God communicates with people. God isn't aloof, distant orsilent, but speaks to us at many times and in many ways. It'simportant to remember this and to listen for that voice - in thewords of a friend, or in the Bible, in a sermon or as part of quietcontemplation.

That communication comes to a climax in Jesus, God's son. Again,this emphasises God's willingness to engage with creation -becoming incarnate, a human being in the person of Jesus. Jesushimself is the exact representation of God's being - what God wasthe Word was, and that Word radiates the very glory of God into ourworld (John 1:14).

God's communication is not just hot air. God's conversation with usembodied in Jesus offers us purification and salvation - a settingfree from all that holds us back. As the representation of God, andas a recognition of all that he has done for us, Jesus is given aplace of honour, a place of worship - "Let all God's angels worshiphim" (verse 6).

To Ponder

In what ways have your heard the voice of God?How do you put yourself in a place to hear him?

What does Jesus mean to you? List the thingswhich he has done for you, or what aspects of God are shown throughhim.