Embodiment
Photo by Matt Brown on flickr

Hebrews 1:1–4

‘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.’ (vv1–2)

Surf the net, scan YouTube and search valuable apps and you’ll be swamped with ideas, many in the early stages of development. Myriad podcasts also provoke us to consider everything, from our historical roots to our psychological health.

We’re awash with ideas and propositions seeking to provide a meaning for our lives. This is a question humanity has faced since the dawn of time, the moment self-awareness was born through an act of self-determination (Gen. 3:7). 

Subsequent to our expulsion from Eden, God has attempted to communicate the meaning He gives to every life, uniquely created in His image. However, the words were only ever believed in part and for short seasons.

Ultimately God chose to embody His message of ultimate meaning in the incarnate Jesus, God and man inextricably contained within a mortal life (Luke 1:30–31).

Truth finds full expression through embodiment. Jesus is ‘the image of the invisible God’ (Col. 1:15), and post Pentecost we are invited to embody the life of God as signposts and witnesses to life’s ultimate expression of meaning and purpose. 

As ‘temples of the Holy Spirit’ (1 Cor. 6:19), the life of God emanates from within us. Simply put, we are the hands and feet of Jesus, witnesses to Christian hope throughout a troubled, and troubling, world.

Therefore, we become sacred through encounter with God, and witness to Him through the life we lead. A source of wonder to both heaven and earth (Ps. 8:5).

SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: Ps. 8; Mic. 3:5–8; Acts 2:1–24, 6:14–17; Rev. 21:1–8.

AN ACTION TO TAKE: What does it mean to know that you are the embodiment of God’s Spirit on earth? How does this influence your life choices?

A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Lord, may I be continually filled with Your Spirit, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything. Amen.’ (Eph. 5:18–20)

Micha Jazz is Director of Resources at Waverley Abbey, UK.