Jesus the Radiance of God’s Glory

He is the radiance of the glory of God (Hebrews 1.3a)

We make much of dynasties, sons and daughters rising to the thrones of their fathers. In a time where many monarchies have diminished to empiric window-dressings the human passion for dynasties has not. We still see political families ascending to power, nepotism bringing new generations to the helms of industries. But bloodlines do not insure success or excellences. Simply because the parent was great does not mean the child will be too. The sons and daughters of caesars are no promise for triumph.

But Jesus the radiance of the Father’s glory is different. The term we understand as Son of God does not give us a full comprehension of who Jesus is. Jesus is the radiance of God. He is not the diminishing returns of some former glory. He is the effulgence of the Godhead. Jesus is the dazzling brilliance that has no comparison, no equal, no rival. He is the visible image of the invisible God. Like the Sun, Jesus is the radiant light emitted from the its core. He is like the Sun and makes the Sun visible to us.

And this Jesus, the radiance of the Father, is our Lord, our Sovereign, our everlasting Savior. We have no fear for the future of our success and salvation because they are secured in Christ. Not success as the world may define it but in how God has ordained it for our lives. We have the capacity to live beyond ourselves, our wildest machinations of success, because we have been imbued with the lustrous authority of our Lord Jesus, who is the radiance of God’s glory.

Jesus, thank you for shining the glory of God in the darkness of my life, redeeming me from my sin and empowering me to walk in your marvelous light.

Jesus the Witness

In these last days [God] has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things (Hebrews 1.2a)

Emissaries are scattered around the globe, representing different nations and political powers. At any given moment men and women are brokering peace and agitating wars in the name of their prelates and presidents. Ambassadors and charges d’affaires represent their absent kings and premiers. They are not imbued with their master’s authority but they do carry the air and weight of power.

Through the centuries God sent people to express Himself and His will for Israel and the nations. No one can say God left His nature or His desire unrevealed. His omniscience, omnipotence and omnipresence are voiced through songs and stories, psalms and prophecies. God promised Eve a son to be her Savior. Miriam sang songs of her Deliverer. Truly, who is like the Lord of all creation, majestic in holiness and awesome in glorious deeds? Moses set down God’s law for His people. David called them to purpose.

But Jesus is not just another messenger. He is fully man, like the host of humanity inspired by the Spirit of God to write His revelations. But Jesus is much more. He is fully God. He is the Revealer Himself! He is the Creator. He is the voice of the Father, and as the Son of God all things belong to Him. All of creation. All the created.

We live within His created realm and have the privilege to chose allegiance to a merciful and compassionate King who personally speaks to each of us. God does not leave Himself without a witness. He is the witness Himself.

Jesus, thank you for witnessing Your Life into my existence.