Wednesday 22 December 2021
- Bible Book:
- Hebrews
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. (vs 1-2)
Background
Today's reading comes from Paul's letter to the Hebrews. The early church needed to be reminded and reassured that Jesus was indeed the son of God and that he had come among them as part of God’s great plan for God’s people. He was not, it was emphasised, simply one in a line of prophets, but the culmination of that line. Some of those hearing this letter might have recalled Jesus’ parable about a vineyard, its tenants and those sent by the Master to collect the rent (Matthew 21:33-46). The servant-collectors were beaten, but the Master's son was killed. The prophets had come and gone, but Jesus died and rose from the dead.
The writer of this epistle was very probably addressing people of a Jewish background who were beginning to doubt if Jesus really was the promised Messiah. Throughout the letter, the writer quotes from Scripture, reassuring them that Jesus was indeed the son of God and urges them to be strong in the face of persecution.
In many ways this letter speaks to our time. Assailed by the claims of many belief systems and ideologies and bombarded by news media and online platforms, it is all too easy to become shaky in things of the faith. And we too may be scorned for holding to the Christian faith. "Who believes that stuff anymore?" is a question we may hear – not least coming up to Christmas time. And there are those today whose lives are threatened if they practise the Christian faith as indeed there were when this letter was written.
To Ponder:
- What response would you give to someone who said to you "Who believes that stuff anymore?" How do you stay strong?
- What does the coming of Jesus actually mean in your life?
Prayer
Loving God, deepen my faith in the coming of your son Jesus Christ into your world and give me the strength and grace to bear witness to it. Amen.