Thursday, December 13, 2012
Hebrews 1:1-2 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.
ADVENT ACTIONS: THE APPOINTMENT OF HEIRS
What is the best thing that has been handed down to you? Is it an old family heirloom? Is it something sentimental like grandpa's hat or grandma's knickknack collection? Is it something that your parents or their parents did a certain way that was passed down, like a Thanksgiving recipe or a holiday tradition you enjoyed? The list could go on and on, of course.
When our loved ones die, they leave behind their earthly possessions and their treasures in life that they at one point or another thought were important. Because of our love for them, we make time to go through the remnants of their lives and find an adventure of memories. Those memories remind us of what kind of people they were and the life that they led while on this earth.
Is the Word of God any different? In these "last days" we are reminded through the Bible that those who have gone before us have passed down the Word of God to us. Throughout history God sent many prophets to speak His Word to His children. But "when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son ..." (Galatians 4:4) to speak to us about His Father and reveal His plan of salvation for us!
When it comes to Jesus, He wasn't just appointed as an heir of an old hat or a porcelain cat, He was "appointed heir of all things ..." since "through Him" the whole universe was made. Through Him, the whole of mankind was redeemed from what we deserved: sin's consequences -- death and eternal hell. When it comes to worldly wealth and living for the cares and pleasures of this world, God has revealed through His Word something much better to us!
James wrote, "Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?" Faith trusts in the unseen promises of God. And God has promised us that through Christ our Savior, we are heirs of His heavenly kingdom and eternal life! That's why Christ came. That's an Advent action of God worth talking about!
