God has spoken to us

God speaks to us

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… (Hebrews 1:1-2a)

Since the beginning of time people have sensed that there must be something beyond our experience. People believed that there must be something or someone responsible for our existence. These thoughts wondered if the god or gods who made the world were primarily friendly or not, could be trusted or not, and could be accessed or appeased in ways that would make them do good things for us or treat us well.

Early in Israel’s history, not long after God freed the people from slavery in Egypt and gave them the covenant and the ten commandments with it, it became clear that people needed reminders of whose they were and who they were. God sent prophets, people who spoke with God’s word and with clarity into a situation. It was the prophet’s job to make clear what God wanted. Israel had many prophets over the centuries. Their role was essential to keeping the people connected, alert and on track. When they got off track, the prophet brought strong words to refocus the people. Sometimes they responded. Sometimes they didn’t.

In Jesus, God speaks to us differently. Rather than speaking through someone else, God in Christ has chosen to come to us and be among us. A word from Jesus takes out the so-called “middle man.” There is one less filter, one less distance to cross.

In what the book of Hebrews calls “these last days,” God has taken up residence among us. A word from Jesus is not a word sent by God to be given to us. It is a word from God that God has come to us to bring directly. The book of Hebrews wants the reader to know: In Jesus, God is among us. We are not alone.

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