Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Listen to the Word

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.  (Hebrews 1:1-3a)

Our Scripture says that Jesus is “the exact representation of God’s being.” He is the best picture of God ever taken. He is God’s self-portrait. He is a reflection of God’s very essence. If you could treat God like a document on your computer, and copy his character and paste it on a human being, you would have Jesus. The Message version of the Bible puts it this way: “The Son perfectly mirrors God, and is stamped with God’s nature.” As some folks from previous generations might put it, Jesus is the spittin’ image of his Father.

That baby lying in a feeding trough – that’s what God is like. That man offering grace to broken people – that’s what God is like. That sufferer hanging on a cross – that’s what God is like. You want to see the God who can’t be seen? Look at Jesus. He is the exact representation of God’s being.

Live the Word

What is your favorite story of Jesus from the Gospels? Spend a moment reflecting on what that story reveals about the character of God.