Truth Matters: Making Much of Christ (part 2)
By Ken Askew
“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.” ESV Hebrews 1:1-2
Our text reminds us that in times past, before Christ, God spoke through the prophets, but something grander has occurred in “these last days.” Now, he has spoken to us through His very Son; but how? How has God the Father spoken to us through His Son? In person!
John Flavel says that Jesus Christ is the greatest manifestation of the love of God ever. The more I think about it, the more I agree. What could be more magnificent? What could be more an expression of love than to leave heaven, a place of unimaginable beauty and glory, to become a man? It is just absolutely fascinating that the Creator of heaven and earth would stoop to the level of created beings. Yet he did and we seem to take it for granted.
In what many consider to represent the beginning of His public ministry, Christ himself declared that He was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah (Luke 4:21). With that proclamation, he began to publicly teach, perform miracles and spend time with people. Scripture records about forty parables from his teaching ministry alone. And how many people did He heal? I didn’t even try to count the miracles. Remember Lazarus? At Jesus’ command even dead people came to life and walked out of tombs! And in all these things, God was speaking to us.
What about the Disciples? Christ poured Himself into this handful of very ordinary men. He spent time with them, patiently teaching them who He was. He traveled with them. He prayed with them. And after His resurrection, He commanded them to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28) and to teach the nations all that He had taught them about Himself. In essence, was He not commanding them to go and make much of Him? Yes, and the command is still valid for disciples today.
What about today? How does Christ speak to us today? It’s one thing to think of Christ as Immanuel (which means God with us) but what about now? Didn’t Jesus return to heaven? Yes, perhaps he has left in bodily form, but, just as he promised, He sent the Holy Spirit, the Helper, and through the Holy Spirit He is still with us today and still speaking to us today.
When I read the first several chapters of Hebrews, I’m always impressed with the way the author makes much of Christ and equally convicted that I don’t make enough of Christ. Yet, it is arguably the duty of each and every Christian to make much of Christ, everyday.
As you live this day, this week, each and every day, make much of Christ.
Ken worships at Tharptown Baptist Church in Russellville. Truth Matters articles are available online at www.truthmatters.us. Comments are welcome and may be sent to kenaskew@me.com.
