Hebrews chapter 1: 1-4 (NIV)
In the past God spoke to our ancestors 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 also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
John Chapter 14: Verse 9 (NIV)
Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
1 John Chapter 3 : Verses 2-3 (NIV)
Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
1 Corinthians Chapter 15: Verse 51 (NIV)
Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed.
After the funeral I attended yesterday, we gathered at my friend’s home for a small buffet and, as always on such occasions, there was reminiscing among the family about their memories. There was a lovely photo in the sitting room wall of my friend and her siblings as children. She and her youngest sister looked so alike in the photo, and indeed had remained so, throughout their lives. My friend’s sister was at the funeral and the resemblance was unmistakable. I posted photos recently on social media to mark the occasion of my niece’s 18th birthday, and a friend commented that she could see a family resemblance. I know from looking at recent family pictures too that the cousin nearest to me in age and I are both growing even more like our mums as we grow older. But no matter how similar we may be, we will each have our own personality traits and the things we like or dislike may be completely different.
The writer to the Hebrews tells us that Jesus is the exact representation of God the Father. The Cambridge on line dictionary definition of exact is – “in great detail, complete, correct, true in every way.” Jesus didn’t just resemble God the Father, He Himself was God. He told His disciples that those who had seen Him had seen the Father. We must therefore accept that Jesus is more than a great teacher, a good man, or even a prophet. As yet Christians can only seek to try and emulate the character and behaviour of Jesus, but eventually we will be changed to be like Him as He is. But in the meantime, let’s try and make sure that people can at least see the family resemblance.
Dear Lord,
Help me to reflect the pattern of Jesus’ behaviour until the time comes when I will be changed to the very likeness of Him. I ask in His name. Amen.