"God's Final Word" (Part 1)

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. (Hebrews 1:1-3 NIV).

There are many words that have come to have great meaning in our history. Do you recall the first long distance message sent by Morse Code? It was “What hath God wrought?” The first intelligible words spoken by telephone were “Mr. Watson, come here, I want you.” Certainly you remember the rousing words of JFK, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but rather what you can do for your country.” And, who could forget the first words spoken by man as his foot touched the surface of the moon: “That’s one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind.” Other words from great preachers have inspired and touched our lives. John Newton’s “Amazing Grace,” or Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream,” were great words. However the greatest words ever spoken are God’s final words!

This is the message of the writer of Hebrews. God spoke many words through the prophets in many ways and through many mighty works, but God’s final word is in His Son. It includes what Jesus said and what he did. It is a clear word. It details some important truths. The first of these truths is that Jesus is the heir of all things.

He is the heir to the powers of nature. Do you remember the night the disciples were caught in the storm on the Sea of Galilee? They were with Jesus after a long day of ministry and miracles. He was sleeping in the stern of the little ship. A sudden storm threatened to capsize their ship and they were afraid they might die in the waters. They woke him and wondered why he was sleeping! Didn’t he know they were about to perish? Well, he knew. More than that, he knew he had the power over the storm! He was the heir to the powers over nature. No matter what storms you face in your life, physical or spiritual, Jesus is God’s final word! He is heir to the powers of all our shame and defeat; pain and bitterness; abuse and cruelty done to us; and to our sorrows and sadness. Like the woman brought to him to be stoned; or the man who had been waiting for thirty-eight years to be healed at the pool of Bethesda; or at the tomb of Lazarus Jesus has the power over all of them!

Do you see what that means for our lives? This One in whom God has spoken is the FINAL word. There are no other words that need be spoken. He has finished our victory for us. Now, that allows me to take a deep breath and rest in whatever situation I find myself today. You can too!