1 Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, 2 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. 3 He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Hebrews 1:1-3
Down through the ages it is God who makes the first move, takes the initiative, and makes himself know to us. Today’s text reminds us of God’s passionate pursuit of us as he has spoken “in many and various ways.” God has forever been trying to get our attention.
Throughout history there has been this progressive and growing revelation of God to us culminating in the manifestation of himself in his Son. While God spoke to us in the past through his prophets, he speaks to us now supremely through his Son.
The Son who created the worlds and exercises authority over all things has flashed forth the very glory of God, and is the exact expression of God’s essence and being. God has not left us groping blindly to know what he is like. In Jesus we encounter the clear, undiminished revelation of God. This means that Jesus could say, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).
But all this would mean little for us if we did not also know the Son as Redeemer. And here is God’s Good News for us in today’s text as it says that when the eternal Son “had made purification for our sins he sat down.” Yes, he “sat down.” He sat down because his saving work was done! Finished! Complete! Let your heart be at rest then. There is nothing more that needs to be done, nothing more that the Son must do to put us right with God!
It is just as the prophet Isaiah foretold long ago of Jesus’ saving work on the cross: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool” (Isaiah 1:18).
“Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me;
And from my stricken heart with tears two wonders I confess;
The wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.”
– Elizabeth Clephane, Beneath the Cross of Jesus
MEDITATION
Soaking in Scripture…
Today’s Andy Moments…
