In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 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.
Hebrews 1:1,2[1]
One of the nicest things you can do for someone is to introduce them. Take them around and have them meet your family and friends. Show them the ropes and how things work. Help them to become familiar with what’s going on and the surroundings. You can even show them the shortcuts that will save them time.
Since we’ve moved around so much, we’ve gone through all the struggles that go along with becoming familiar with the area. Where do you go for coffee or iced tea. Who’s the best auto mechanic to fix your car. Reestablishing your healthcare team with the best and friendliest people.
Because we’ve gone through this so many times, we’re especially sensitive to welcome new people. Just the other day there was a family walking around our town and they had that look. You know what I’m talking about. That dazed, deer-in-the-headlights kind of gaze like they didn’t know where they were or which way to turn.
So, being me, I walked up to them and asked if I could help. They were new to town and were looking for a place to have breakfast. I didn’t have the heart to tell them that they just walked by a place, so I opened the door and welcomed them to the Market Café. I introduced them to Brooke, the owner and the staff. I then pointed to the menu on the wall.
We had a fun and energetic conversation. Come to find out, they had just moved to Central Florida from Wisconsin for their daughter to attend college. They asked about the things that new people need to know, so I recommended different people in town to help them with their transition and needs.
They were really appreciative. They thanked me over and over again. They kept shaking my hand. And as we said our goodbyes, they kept waving and waving at me. And they were smiling of all things.
Yes, introductions are not only helpful, but they’re also important. They help make for a smooth transition. A new beginning. And this introduction by the writer of Hebrews is perhaps the most important introduction of all.
You see, they’re writing to fellow Jews and he wants to not only grab their attention, but to set the record straight. He uses their rich past to introduce them to someone. He reminds them of all the ways that God has spoken to them in the past. He wants to remind them that God has always been faithful to them. In all sorts of ways, God has shown himself to his people throughout their history.
He reminds them that through all their troubles and tears that God’s been with them each and every step of the way. Through all the years of feeling alone, they were never really alone because God was there. And even through the pain, God never left them alone.
With all that history, with all that background, with that rich relationship with God, he wasn’t finished with them yet. There was more to come. Something that was going to make the past seem like nothing in comparison to what’s coming. Or, should I say, who’s coming.
With all the prophets and different ways that God spoke to his people in the past, this was a drop in the bucket in comparison to God sending his Son. When someone sends their son, there’s no better way to show that they’re important. There’s no more powerful way for someone to show their love and commitment then to send their son. And that’s exactly what God does. He sends his Son. And to prove that it’s God’s son, he tells us two things about the Son.
Appointed heir of all things. Like all only children, they get all the inheritance. There’s nothing that the parents have that don’t belong to the child. God the Father says that his Son also owns everything that he has. There’s nothing of God the Father that’s not given to God the Son.
He made the universe. This Son isn’t some weakling. He’s not some young kid that doesn’t know what he’s doing. Oh no. This Son is the creator of the universe. He not only made it, he keeps it going. He’s holding the entire universe together[2].
Wow! What an introduction. What an opening. It certainly grabs our attention. This book starts out with a bang. But not like the Big Bang where things just happen by accident. This Son is the person who has all the power, wisdom, and knowledge to make this incredibly complex world that runs so well.
So, the question is, will we listen to the Son? Will we pay attention to who he is? What he’s done. How he’s made us. Will we listen to and follow him? Will we give him our lives and everything we are. It’s what he deserves. What he’s entitled to. What he’s earned.
Noodling Questions.
What do you do to make a stranger feel welcomed? Why?
How has your past changed the way meet and helping people?
What’s the best way to listen to Jesus? Explain.
[1] Unless otherwise noted, all Bible references are from the New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
[2] Colossians 1:15–17
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