April 28-May 2

Something Better

“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.” – Hebrews 1:1–2a (ESV)

In the early 90s, we thought we had reached the pinnacle of communication with dial-up internet. That annoying static tone signaled the future! Then came AOL, then smartphones, and now your refrigerator can text you when you’re out of milk. What once seemed impressive is now outdated, because something better came along.

In the Old Testament, God spoke through the prophets—through visions, laws, dreams, and even a talking donkey! But Pastor Jim reminded us that while God’s communication then was real, it was partial. Now, God has spoken fully and finally through His Son. Jesus is not just a messenger; He is the message. He is the Word made flesh (John 1:14), and He reveals the heart, will, and character of God in a way no prophet ever could. Why settle for an outdated spiritual connection when Jesus offers you a direct line to the heart of God?

Reflection Questions:
1. How can you make time this week to listen to what Jesus is saying through His Word?

2. Do you have “old” ways of thinking about God that need to be replaced by a clearer view of Jesus?

Suggested Prayer:
Lord, thank You for not staying silent. Thank You for speaking through Your Son. Help me tune out the noise of the world and hear clearly the voice of Jesus. Amen.

God Has Spoken Plainly Through Christ

 “But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…” — Hebrews 1:2a (ESV)

In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell made history when he spoke the first words ever transmitted over a telephone: “Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you.” That simple sentence changed how the world communicates. Bell had been tirelessly working on a better way to transmit sound, and with just a few spoken words, he ushered in a new era of clarity in communication (Smithsonian Institution). Before that, messages had to be sent by telegram or mail, slow and impersonal. Bell’s invention allowed people to hear each other’s voices across great distances.

Just as Bell's invention brought clarity to human conversations, Jesus brought clarity to God's message. The writer of Hebrews contrasts the fragmented, prophetic messages of the past with the full and final message God gave in Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, God spoke through prophets “in many times and in many ways”—dreams, visions, symbols, and signs. But now, He has spoken “by his Son.” Jesus is God’s final Word to humanity. You don’t have to wonder what God is saying—just look at Jesus. Through His teaching, His miracles, His death, and His resurrection, Jesus reveals the heart, mind, and will of God plainly and completely. In a world full of confusion, Jesus offers a voice of clarity.

Reflection Questions:
1. In what ways are you listening to the voice of Jesus today, above all other voices?

2. Are you letting the clarity of Christ shape your decisions, values, and relationships?

Suggested Prayer:
Father, thank You for speaking through Your Son, Jesus. I confess that I often let the noise of the world drown out Your voice. Help me to hear You clearly through Your Word and to follow Your Son faithfully. Let His truth guide my life and give me peace in a confusing world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Power of Christ

“ …through whom also he created the world. 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.”— Hebrews 1:2b–3a (ESV)

In 1969, when Apollo 11 landed on the moon, Neil Armstrong uttered his famous line: “That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” The feat was the result of immense brainpower, technology, and raw power—it took 7.5 million pounds of thrust just to launch the Saturn V rocket. NASA’s mission reminded the world of the vastness of space and the fragile nature of our existence. But consider this: the same Jesus who walked dusty roads in Galilee also created the galaxies. He didn’t just visit the stars—He spoke them into existence.

Hebrews says Jesus “created the world” and “upholds the universe by the word of his power.” That’s not poetic exaggeration—it’s divine reality. Jesus is not just the carpenter from Nazareth; He is the cosmic Creator (Colossians 1:16). And right now, this very moment, He holds the universe together—not with effort, but by His word. That’s power! When life feels like it’s falling apart, remember the One who holds galaxies together holds you too.

Reflection Questions:
1. What area of your life do you need to surrender to Jesus’ sustaining power today?

2. How can acknowledging Christ’s power bring peace in your everyday problems?

Suggested Prayer:
Jesus, You created everything, and You uphold it all. Help me rest in Your power and not try to hold everything together on my own. Amen.

The Position of Christ

“ …he is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature.” — Hebrews 1:3a (ESV)

In 1953, Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in a dazzling ceremony watched by millions across the world. The crown she wore—St. Edward’s Crown was adorned with gold, sapphires, and rubies. But even with all that royal splendor, her reign was always symbolic—she never created the kingdom, nor could she hold it together. Her power was ceremonial. Contrast that with Jesus. Jesus is not just a figurehead; He doesn’t just wear a crown; He deserves the crown.

The phrase “radiance of God’s glory” points to Jesus being the visible expression of the invisible God. He’s not a reflection like the moon, but the very light like the sun. “Exact imprint” means He shares God’s essence and nature. If you want to know what God looks like, acts like, loves like—look to Jesus. Jesus is not just like God. Jesus is God. Jesus deserves not just your admiration but your allegiance. He’s not just important—He’s supreme.

Reflection Questions:
1. How does knowing Jesus is the exact imprint of God challenge your view of Him?

2. Are you living like Jesus is simply a great teacher or truly your King?

Suggested Prayer:
 Jesus, You are the full glory of God. Help me to see You clearly and worship You completely. Amen.

The Provision of Christ

“ …after making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” —Hebrews 1:3b (ESV)

In 1918, Private Henry Tandey, a British soldier, found himself face-to-face with a wounded German soldier during World War I. Out of compassion, he chose not to shoot. That wounded soldier? Adolf Hitler. Tandey’s act of mercy is remembered as a fateful moment in history. Some argue that had he known the atrocities Hitler would later commit, he might have made a different decision. But when Jesus saw our sin and rebellion, He didn’t hesitate. He didn’t spare us out of mere pity—He paid for our sin at the cost of His life. Romans 5:8 says, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” His mercy wasn’t based on what we deserved—it was based on who He is. And after accomplishing redemption, He sat down because the work was finished.

The priests of the Old Testament had to keep standing, offering sacrifices day after day. But when Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice, He “sat down.” That’s not just posture—it’s victory. His work of purification was complete (Hebrews 10:12). You don’t need to do what Jesus already did! Salvation is finished, not achieved by works but received by grace. Stop trying to earn what Jesus already paid for. Rest in His finished work.

Reflection Questions:
1. Are you trying to pay for what Jesus has already finished?

2. How can you live in gratitude for Christ’s complete provision today?

Prayer:
Thank You, Jesus, for making purification for my sins. Help me live each day as someone set free. Amen.