The book of Hebrews reminds us historically, physically, and spiritually Jesus has no equal. There is no spiritual leader, earthly leader, religious leader, or sacrifice that supersedes Him. The last few chapters of Hebrews illustrates how Jesus’ power helps us better reflect His likeness.
How much does your life reflect the life of Jesus?
We learn a great deal about life through reflection. The law of reflection tells us that light reflects from objects in a very predictable manner. So the question is, why do we see objects like a table or a chair? These objects do not produce their own light, so in order for us to see any object, light must strike the object and reflect from the object into our eyes. More specifically, in order for us to be able to see objects, the light reflecting off an object must make its way directly to our eyes. So how does the light get from the object to our eyes? It does so through reflection.
Jesus is the light of the world. His light strikes humanity, reflecting death or life. When we are found in Him we reflect Him. When we desire a different spirituality, a earthly system of logic, human leadership, and/or a personal sacrifice to reach God we reflect death.
Practically speaking: on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 reflecting death and 10 reflecting Jesus, where are you?
What may God be prompting you to do/become that would better reflect the life He gives His followers?
Let’s take a look at seven ideas that Hebrews 11-13 conveys to the believer about what reflecting Jesus looks like.
REFLECT FAITH
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Faith grows as our knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of Jesus grows. We must align ourselves to the Word of God and allow the Spirit to lead us. Then life’s circumstances will work together to help us better reflect Jesus. What areas of your life are not filtered through your faith in Christ? What may you need to do to better live by faith?
REFLECT PERSEVERANCE
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,”
Hebrews 12:1 NIV
Running the race of life is hard, but running it with others brings added strength. We have centuries of Christians alive and dead that have proven God’s grace is sufficient. In what areas of your life have you lost your stride? What can you do that will give you the strength to push through your hardship?
REFLECT A LOVE FOR DISCIPLINE
“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?”
Hebrews 12:7 NIV
The army has a saying. Pain is weakness leaving the body. The Christian version would be to live is Christ to die is gain. The Christian should welcome correction, hardship, persecution, struggles, and the like. These things serve one purpose. They help us lean on Jesus rather than ourselves. In what areas of your life is it hard for you to accept being disciplined by God? What can you do to begin to welcome God’s discipline?
REFLECT PEACE THROUGH HOLINESS
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14 NIV
When Jesus shapes our view of the world we can be at peace. When the world shapes our thinking we are in chaos. God is holy and He has made us holy. Each day we should understand that a little more. What areas of your life or wrecked? What can you do to allow God’s peace to repair your wreckage.
REFLECT GRATITUDE
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,”
Hebrews 12:28 NIV
Our future is secure. This means that our present is too. It may not seem settled, but God has given us an unshakable kingdom. We can worship Him with all we are and be grateful that nothing will ever separate us from the love of our Father. What causes you to loose focus of this truth and feel your foundation is shaken? What can you do to align with these truths?
REFLECT FAMILIAL LOVE FOR EVERYONE
“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.”
Hebrews 13:1 NIV
Everyone wants to belong. What better family to belong to than one that has the ability to express perfect love. God asks us to love others as he has loved us. He wants the world to recognize that God longs to bring all those that are lost home. When is it hard for you to express God’s love to others? What can you do to better express His love to others?
REFLECT OUR LEADERS TEACHINGS
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”
Hebrews 13:7 NIV
Leaders that have gone before us have taught and modeled what life in and through Jesus looks like. Reflecting and learning from our leaders is the system that God designed to share His message. What leaders (disciples) do you have to look back to? How are you becoming that leader for future generations?
C4 