The Imprint of God

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made 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. ~ Hebrews 1:1-4

The epistle to the Hebrews is heavy on Christology, which literally means the study of Christ. It is the part of theology that focuses entirely on the nature and work of Jesus Christ: WHO he is, WHY he is, WHAT he did (and does), and HOW he does it.

I'd say that along with the Gospel of John and some of Paul's letters, Hebrews is where we get the basis for our understanding of Jesus - or rather, our understanding of the Christ. (and no, despite tradition, Hebrews was most likely not written by Paul).

So what do we get from this passage about who Christ is? We have an echo of John 1 here, and you can see where our notion of the Trinity begins to develop. Christ - the Son - is the one through whom all things came in being. Christ is present from the beginning of time.

The imprint of God who would at a specific time in history be born a human being, live a human life, and die a human death.

But the Christ is eternal.

The life of Jesus on earth is what we are most accustomed to focusing on. But what about the Christ? What does "The Christ" (or the Messiah) mean for you? What does it mean that Christ is not Jesus last name?

Teach me who you are, O God, and help me to live with the light of Christ within me. Amen