Wednesday 13 January 2021
- Bible Book:
- Hebrews
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. (vs 1-2)
Background
This awesome passage from Paul's letter addressed to Jewish converts to Christianity, reminds them – and us – that although in the past God had spoken to his people through the prophets, the arrival of Jesus heralded a new era in which God himself has come amongst us. It is a reminder of those words from Matthew 1:23 "They will call him Immanuel, which means 'God is with us.'" The verses joyfully explain how amazing Jesus is – he is God in the flesh, superior to the angelic beings and the radiance of God’s glory. What a hymn of praise this is. You can sense the author being anointed "with the oil of joy" as he encourages his readers to fix their eyes on their wonderful Saviour.
When I lived in Guyana I really missed seeing the beautiful views I had been used to when walking in the UK. However one day I had a real sense that God was telling me to lift my gaze and to look at the beauty of Jesus. It really helped me to stop focussing on the poverty, the dirt, the invasions of insects and the difficulties of my everyday life, and to look at things from a different perspective.
The passage today also speaks of the eternal nature of God and hints towards a verse later in Hebrews where Paul declares that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). Sometimes we read the stories of Jesus and the Early Church with amazement and can easily forget that the same supernatural power of the Holy Spirit is still available to us today. I often think that most of what we do in our churches could still be done whether God existed or not. But I get really excited when I am called to do something that could not be done without the intervention and power of the Holy Spirit working through me. Oh to experience more of that anointing as we seek to reach others with the love of our eternal and awesome Jesus!
To Ponder:
- When was the last time you lifted your eyes and just gazed in wonder on the beauty and glory of Jesus?
- Do you need to know the power of the Holy Spirit in any area of your life today? Ask for the infilling, refreshing and enabling Spirit of Jesus to fill you like a well of water springing up within you.
Prayer
Thank you Jesus for who you are. Thank you for your glorious presence with us day by day. Please help us to lift our eyes above our circumstances and to gaze on you. Help us remember that you are the same yesterday, today and forever and please fill us with your strength and joy as we seek to serve you. Amen.