The Radiance of God's Glory

 

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 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. (Hebrews 1:1-4 ESV).

 

There are times when I must drive east early in the morning. It can be very difficult to see ahead without something to block the glare created by the sun. I often wear polarized sunglasses and use the visor to deflect the glare. However, even then, it is still difficult to see. I’m sure that will be even more pronounced now that I’ve had cataract surgery and lens replacement in both eyes.

 

There are other things that come with the brilliance of the sun though. Since my surgery I’ve noticed a distinct difference in the brilliance of colors and clarity in the details revealed by the beautiful, clear light radiating from the sun. However, the Sun also radiates heat, warming the earth each day as it gives light for plants and for growing food. We cannot separate the radiating light and heat from the sun; these properties always go together with sunlight for our life here on earth.

 

Similarly, we cannot separate Jesus, the Son of God, from God himself. Hebrews says, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory…” (v. 3). Think about what this means. In Jesus, the glory of God came to dwell among us, taking on our flesh and becoming one of us. The glory of God in Christ was humbled on the cross when he died to pay the price of our sin for us. Then the glory of God shone in its brilliance when Jesus rose again from the dead.

 

“The radiance of God’s glory” came for all to see. As the gospel of John explains, Jesus came to give light to everyone in the world (cf. John 1:9). Jesus came to draw us to himself, the light of the world, so that we could come out of darkness. We’ll see more about this superiority of Jesus as the writer will point us to His unmatched perfection later in this epistle. Today, think about how incredible it is that Jesus is our Savior, our brother, our friend, our healer, and our sustainer for all things! The radiance of God’s glory lives within us!