Verse of the Day 3/31

 Through the Bible – Leviticus 4-5, Hebrews 7

 

Good morning,

I had been reading through the book of Esther recently, it is a fascinating book that could easily be made into a movie with all kinds of unexpected twists and turns and where the good guy wins out at the end.

 

At one point the wicked Haman is given the kings signet ring to issue an edict against the Jews.  Not too much later the tables are turned and Haman has the ring and his life taken from him.  The ring is then given to Mordecai to reverse the plans of Haman.

 

The seal had the kings image and when the ring was given to one of his subjects, they carried his authority on any document containing this seal.

For today's verse we'll go to Hebrews 1 .

 

Hebrews 1:3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.  After making the purification for sins, he sat down at the  right hand of the Majesty on high.  ESV

 

John MacArthur writes, "The term translated 'exact imprint' is used only here in the N.T..  In extrabiblical literature, it was employed for an engraving on wood, an etching in metal, a brand on animal hide, an impression in clay, and a stamped image on coins.  The Son is the perfect imprint, the exact representation of the nature and essence of God in time and space."

 

The lines from the old hymn come to mind:

O! to be like Thee, O! to be like Thee,  Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;

Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness, Stamp Thine own image deep in my heart.

 

We cannot and will not be the "express image" or "exact imprint" but our desire should be that He can be seen in us, that we'd carry His image, that it would be the core of who we are.

.

Hag 2:23 But when this happens, says the LORD Almighty, I will honor you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, my servant. I will treat you like a signet ring on my finger, says the LORD, for I have specially chosen you. I, the LORD Almighty, have spoken!"    NLT

 

If we want to know what God looks like we should look to Jesus the exact imprint.  As we live and learn, may His imprint show in us.

 

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Heb 1:1-3
1:1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,

2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.

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.
NIV