December 14, 2022
[1] Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, [2] 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. [3] 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, [4] having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
Hebrews 1:1–4 esv
Can you imagine what your faith would look like if God had not revealed himself to us through the incarnation of his Son? Me neither, and that is a very good thing.
In “Delighting in the Trinity” Michael Reeves talks at length regarding what it would be like if our God were not Trinitarian. In short, apart from the affection on display in the dynamic between the Father and Son, God would be scarcely known beyond our concept of an all-powerful, and morally perfect creator. Our faith would be characterized by a sense of constant, moralistic terror. But God in his goodness has, throughout our entire history, given prophetic glimpses about the coming and reign of the Messiah. In this way, God’s people have persistent reminders of his character. The wonder of the Gospel is that the Messiah is the Son of God incarnate. Because of God’s plan set forth before the foundations of the world, the Holy Spirit applies the Father’s declaration over the Son at Jesus’ baptism to our account. We are His sons and daughters - because of what Jesus did, He is “well pleased” with us!
How does Jesus’ character, authoritatively described in the Gospels, contribute to your understanding of God the Father?
Why is it important for us to remember that the Son of God is not only our redeemer, but the trinitarian agent for all of creation?
Prophecies of the Messiah were faithfully fulfilled in the Incarnation - how can we faithfully structure our lives in anticipation for his prophesied return?
