October 4, 2015
Sunday

“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.” Hebrews 1:1-3

“The future mattered; the past mattered; the question was how to hold both together in confidence and hope. The opening reflects this concern. God spoke in the past – in Israel’s story, especially through the prophets, and God has spoken again – in the Son. There are subtle contrasts in affirming this continuity. The word through the Son is even better than a word through the prophets. And the single word through the Son is even better than the many and various forms the word took in the past. The message of the Son is not so much words he spoke, but what he did and was. This is why the author goes straight on to speak of Christ’s self offering and his ascent to sit at God’s right hand (1:3b).There are two elements here: forgiveness of sins and the ongoing support which Christ’s presence guarantees.” (William Loader, First Thoughts on Year B Epistles Passages from the Lectionary)

“…but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son.” We have many words that are attributed to Jesus — many of his teachings, his interactions with others, his deeds. But the strongest word we have from Jesus is what he did ultimately for you and me — he died on the cross for our salvation. Can you put your gratitude for this single event into words? That is tough for all of us… But we can put our gratitude into action — by loving G*d and serving others. In following Jesus, we then are rewarded with the presence of the Holy Spirit, who comes to us through the word and through the sacraments. We don’t have to wonder “What Would Jesus Do?” – we have his word and we have his teachings – and both should lead us to serving others.

Pastor Dave