From the prophets to the radiance of God

Reading it

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” Hebrews 1:1-3

Studying it

Long ago…

It seems like the beginning of a wonderful story — and it is. But it’s not fiction. It’s completely real. God has always taken the time to talk to us. Since creation, he’s never left us alone to figure things out. Long ago, he spoke through prophets. These men lived for what God’s Word, sharing it with all who would listen and all who wouldn’t. God spoke to them several times and in several ways. And what God said is still here for us to read today! But that’s not all God gave us…

…but in these last days…

Because he chose to send the Word of God to us (Revelation 19:13), the Son of God, the Jesus. And he directly gave us words that our souls long to hear. Because his words weren’t exactly what was said before and it wasn’t contradictory to what God said long ago — it was the fulfillment. Anyone who knew the words of the Law and the prophets and was listening to what Jesus was saying could see the different puzzle pieces fall in place. Jesus was fulfilling everything in the Old Testament in a way that was more than we could’ve asked or imagined!

…the radiance, imprint, and upholder.

Because he is the radiance of God, the exact imprint of who God is, and he upholds the universe by his word. What Jesus says pulls everything together (Matthew 5:17). What Jesus did settled every prophecy from the prophets into truth (John 19:30). And what Jesus continues to do gives us hope that everything that seems to be missing from our lives now will be given to us in abundance in the end (2 Corinthians 5:2).

Living it

So what does it matter if we know the ultimate story? It changes everything. Because it’s our story. Without God’s story, we have allowed ourselves to be orphans, wandering in the world with no family, no inheritance, and no purpose. We did it to ourselves. Sin closed the door between us and God, but God opened it back up through Jesus. It is Jesus who is reaching his hand out to us, having done everything for us to be with him, and who brings us to be a part of the greatest story ever known.

Long ago… in these last days… now and forever.

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11