The end of Summer days. The start of the school year days. For some (many?) it will be the not-so-far-away gray and wet days. Even on the hard days, the sad days, the in-between days … I believe we want to live lives that reflect the heart of Jesus. I know I want to. How about you?
It seems to do so means stepping out of, away from, the personal pieces, the personal impact of circumstances, the disappointments and the frustrations, and yes, my lack of control, and lifting my heart to the One who formed my inward parts … knitted me together in my mother’s womb. (Psalm 139.13)
Focusing on what I know about Jesus helps me to refocus and look with a less selfish perspective, one structured by hope and relying on Him, His rescue and redemption. And His making of me to be singularly me and yet reflect His heart to others.
It is so astounding to me that we each are made in His image and yet are made so different one from the other. The unifying part is what we can know about Jesus and that’s my reason for inviting you to consider this first sentence of the opening passage of the Book of Hebrews.
Hebrews was written by a Jewish Christian to other Jewish Christians who were struggling in their everyday walking around lives to stay true to what they have come to know and believe about Jesus – that He is the promised Savior sent to save us because we cannot save ourselves. Their everyday walking around lives were days of persecution because of their new beliefs, disconnection from family and tradition, and certainly economic hardships because of their beliefs. So the author (unknown) begins by reminding them of just who their Jesus always has been and always will be.
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. Hebrews 1.1-2
Long ago … from the time of Creation, which God inspired a man, Moses, to write down for us.
… at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets … referencing the inspired written and recorded Word that we today know as the Old Testament, the history and prophecy looking toward the Messiah, Jesus Christ, as our only Savior. All that is written in the Old Testament is written to show us Jesus!
… but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son … And then God sent Jesus to live His truth amongst us! Jesus’ teachings and the sharing of His teachings beyond His resurrection is what we read in the New Testament. And we trust this truth for our own self and for others, for today and tomorrow.
…whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. God appointed His Son Jesus with all authority, power, and full deity, as the pre-existent Creator and Messiah. Jesus always was, is, and will be our Creator, our Rescuer, our Redeemer, our Hope.
The Apostle Paul encouraged the new believers in Rome who were living amongst the Gentiles (the unbelievers) with this …
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15.4
That you, my dear friend, and I might have hope. Even on the hard days. Especially on the hard days.
You are so so loved! Blessings, Colleen
P.S. Ladies – registration is now open for our coming-soon women’s retreat. You’ll find all the info here: Click to retreat registration
Grateful for Jesus’ love, mercy, and grace, Colleen