I Love to Tell the Story

'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 also 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. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father” ? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son” ? '

Hebrews 1:1-5

REFLECTION

by Mary Alice McGinnis

When I was 14 years old, I went on a weekend church retreat. On the first evening, the leader wisely said, “You cannot talk about something you do not know for yourself.”  That evening, he sent us home with an assignment. Put into writing, "What does Jesus mean to me?"

As I wrote in my journal that evening, the message of who Jesus is and what He had done for me came alive. My eyes flooded with tears and my heart leapt for joy!  It was a turning point in my faith. Jesus became personal, not just a Sunday School lesson.

I never get tired of revisiting, pondering, and reflecting upon the good news of who Jesus is and what He has done for me.  

It's like gazing at a multi-faceted diamond, you could never hope to take in all its beauty. Letting the light shine through at different angles helps you see new aspects of its magnificence.

 Today’s passage causes me pause to ponder again the glorious revelation of who Jesus really is, and what He means to me. The wonder of it all brings me so much joy.

These first 5 verses of Hebrews prompt us to consider 7 unique things about Jesus.  

1. Jesus is the heir of all things. God the Father has given ALL things under His dominion. He is God’s unique only Son who owns it all. How does that change how you look at things?  

2. Alongside God the Father, Jesus is the creator of the entire universe. He is the Master designer of all the wonders of heaven and earth.  

3. Jesus is the radiance of God’s Glory. Jesus’ radiance emanates directly from the source – God the Father. His brilliance shines like the rays of sunshine from the sun, not like reflected light of the sun from the moon.    

4. Jesus is the exact representation of God the Father’s being. Unlike us, He perfectly displays God’s character and Glory, from the beginning of time until the end of time.  

5. He sustains everything. He is not just passively holding us up, but He is actively supporting and sustaining us. And not just us, but it says ALL THING!!  What would change if you really took hold of this truth?  

And how does He carry this out? Simply by the power of His Word! Where did you see evidence of this in Jesus’ life on earth?  

6. He made purification for our sins. Wow! The Creator of the universe, the one who is the radiance of God’s glory – He is the One who laid down His life for your sins and mine. 

7. Now He sits at the right- hand of God the Father. He has full authority as judge and ruler of all.  He would have every right to condemn us. He could have demanded that we fix ourselves, which would have been impossible. But instead, He shed His blood to purify us and wash us clean! 

Take time to reflect on each 7 things that make Jesus unique. What do they reveal to you about the truth of who Jesus is, and what has done for you. Put into writing, in your own words, "What does Jesus mean to me?"  Ask yourself, “How does this change how I see Jesus? How will it transform my heart today?”   

Prayer – Turn today's scripture reading into a prayer. Lift up your heart to Him as a fragrant offering.