We overlook Jesus to our disservice.

The author of Hebrews tells us: 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. 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.

Jesus holds the universe. Don’t picture Atlas with the world on his back—Jesus doesn’t squeeze a dead weight at arm’s length. The concept here is dynamic. Jesus carries the universe along, infusing it with life and beauty. The leaf falls and the flower blooms due to his sustaining jurisdiction.

The word of Jesus carries force. It doesn’t lie bound within a book or hidden away on a shelf. On the contrary, it does things. The Greek word used to describe this power is dynamis (from which we the English dynamite), giving us a hint of the strength involved.

I tend to think of Jesus as a category in my life. Sometimes I have him in mind, sometimes not. But in reality, Jesus allows me to breath, to eat, to talk with my wife and to sleep at night. The nature of Jesus allows us all to exist. Some hold Jesus as a myth, or a fairy tale, or a lie foisted upon gullible people—but they’ve missed the mark.

In reality, below all misconceptions, the true Jesus remains. He allows our universe to function and creates a place for our flourishing, both now and into eternity. I do my soul a good turn when I give attention to our amazing God.

Hebrews 1:1-3

Photo by Aaron Burden