Today’s scripture: Hebrews 1:1-14 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
As I read chapter 1 of Hebrews, verse 3 really sticks out for me. It says, “[Jesus] is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being…”
It reminds me that Jesus taught us to live this way during his three years of ministry. When I commit to being a follower of Jesus, I am really saying that I will be a reflection of God’s glory and the imprint of God’s very being. What is it about me and how I live that reveals who God is? What a powerful question to ponder.
Here is a little background information as you ponder that question. The book of Hebrews, the next book of the Bible that we will journey through, is traditionally known as a letter of Paul to the Hebrews. Many scholars, who believe the author is unknown, understand this writing as a sermon to the early Christian community, to both Jews and Gentiles, encouraging them to continue in faith and hope during hard times. The book interprets the significance of Christ’s life and death.
The sermon is organized in four parts: Hebrews 1-4 explores the Word of God spoken through Jesus; Hebrews 5-10 interprets Jesus as the eternal high priest; Hebrews 10-12 describes faith as insight into the realm of God; and Hebrews 13 gives practical advice and greetings.
With that as background, let’s return to the question. If I am to live like Jesus, as an imprint in the world of who God is, what is it about me that reveals who God is? Am I living a life of faith and hope, even in the midst of hard times? Am I allowing myself to be transformed in order to be all that God wants me to be?
Allow that question to marinate as we move into the book of Hebrews. Take some time to think about how you would answer the question. You will see it again.
Thought for the day: What is it about me and how I live that reveals who God is?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.