Jesus my Sustainer

Scripture:

Hebrews 1:3 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.

Observation:

With Hebrews 1:3 the author of Hebews commences a long listing of the superior characteristics of the Son, and in doing shares the essential equality of the Son with the Father. He lists twelve characteristics in chapter one:

1. Son of God (v. 2, 5)
2. Heir of All Things (v. 2)
3. Creator of the World (v. 2, 10)
4. Radiant Light (v. 3)
5. The Image of God (v. 3)
6. Sustainer of the Universe (v. 3)
7. High Priest of Perfection (v. 3)
8. Superior to the Angels (v. 4-7; 13-14)
9. Exalted King (v. 3-4, 8)
10. Lord of Righteousness (v. 8-9)
11. The Eternal (v. 11-12)
12. Ultimate Conqueror (v. 13)

Application:

If you're in a fiery trial today, be advised - it's your faith that's on trial! Faith is such a key issue in Christian living that folks in the early church were called "believers" because of their great faith.

Here are 2 things you need to know about faith, if you're going to use yours effectively:

(1) Faith cannot alter purpose; it's only God's agent in fulfilling it! If God's plan requires that you go through tough times in order to accomplish His will (and it usually does), then faith is what enables you to endure. It's like the night watchman that protects God's purposes in your life.

(2) It's wonderful when God prospers you, but don't make temporal success and creature comforts the barometer of your faith! In Hebrews 11 WE find two groups of people: those who demonstrated such faith that their very shadow healed the sick, "and others" whose faith enabled them to bleed to death beneath a pile of stones for the cause of Christ (Hebrews 11:37). Notice, both groups "obtained a good report through faith" (Hebrews 11:39).

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego discovered that when God is with you, 3 things happen:

(a) You'll go through the fire, but instead of destroying you, it'll refine you and reposition you for greater blessing.

(b) Situations that cause others to falter or give up, will cause you to triumph.

(c) When you come out, you'll have something to say that'll convince both friend and foe alike.

Prayer:

"Lord, I thank you for Your sustaining Word in my life. You hold me together, you hold my family together, my health, my emotions, my church, this world, our galaxy, and I could go on and on. We are sustained by Your powerful Word. Jesus, You are the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us! I am so glad that I still see daily the power, influence, and sustenance of Your Word. Help me to be very aware of Your presence today. In Jesus' name, amen!"