Hebrews 1:3-4 - 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. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
One of the best things that we can do each day, is reflect on who Jesus Christ really is. We can often forget how amazing he is, how awesome he is, and how much he has done for us. Because we cannot see him in the flesh, he can become an idea in our minds rather than being a real person. We can treat him like a friend that we once knew, but he is out of sight and therefore, out of our minds. Today, in these verses, we get to see him again.
Our Lord Jesus is the radiance of the glory of God. He is the vibrant light that came into the world and displayed the holiness and character of God for all to see. If we want to see the glory of God, we can see it clearly in Jesus. He is the exact imprint of God’s nature. If you want to understand who God is, look at Jesus and much like fingerprints are used to identify a person, we can look at Jesus and identify God in him.
This great Jesus is upholding the universe by the word of his power. This same Jesus who calmed a storm and raised the dead with a word, is keeping all of creation together by simply telling it to remain. He has the rule and authority to do this because after he died for our sins, purifying us through the cross, he sat down at God’s right hand. Don’t miss the beautiful language used here. Jesus is at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Our God is a majestic God to behold and Jesus is there governing all of creation in that same majesty.
In that majestic imagery we see that there are angels, but regardless of how beautiful or powerful the angels are, Jesus is far superior to even them. Think of times in scripture where people have come into contact with angels. They fall on their faces in fear and reverence, yet the angels redirect that honor and worship back to God alone. You may be familiar with the archangels Michael and Gabriel, but Jesus’ name rises above them all as the name above all names.
Our Lord Jesus is excellent in every way and worthy of our affections and our worship. He is not an idea, but a person who died for you, knows you, and has a relationship with you. You may not be able to see him in the flesh, but you can see him in God’s word and be reminded of just how glorious he really is. What a privilege it is to say that he is your friend, your savior, your king, and to know that Jesus loves you personally. Take this to heart today so that whatever comes, you know that Jesus is the one who knows you and is with you and who will never let you go. Praise him, revere him, honor him, and enjoy him.
