Jesus is Worthy of Honor

The author of Hebrews wrote this letter to a group of early Christians to address false teachings emerging among these believers and strengthen their wavering faith. This community of believers was likely suffering persecution because of their new faith. Things were hard for these new believers, and they were struggling and suffering. But before addressing the specific issues they were facing, the author has them turn their attention to Jesus.

In times of suffering, we can look to Jesus. We can turn our thoughts to the One who is most worthy of honor.

The beginning of this letter boldly clarifies exactly who Jesus is, setting Him apart from previous prophets and religious leaders and establishing Him as greater than the angels. Jesus is the divine and incarnate Son of God. He sits at the place of honor at the right hand of God. He should be the focus of our highest honor and worship. If we want to fix our thoughts on whatever is honorable, let’s fix our eyes and our hearts on Jesus.

Silence

Begin with a time of silence.

Still your body. . .Slow your breathing. . . Quiet your mind.

Focus on being fully present in this moment, right here, right now.

Opening Prayer

Jesus, Light of the World,

There is no one like You. You radiate the glory of God. Shine Your light into my life today. Light up all the dark places with Your glorious presence.

I invite You to speak to me, to search my heart and shape my life. Show me what is honorable.

Open my eyes to see You. Open my ears to hear Your voice. Open my heart to receive Your Word. Open my hands to accept whatever You give.

Draw close to me, Lord, as I draw close to You.

Amen.

Read & Meditate

Read through Hebrews 1:3-4, 10-12 three times, taking time to pause and pray and quietly listen to the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart.

1. Read through the passage slowly.

What is one word or phrase that stands out to you?

Pause & Pray

In silence, meditate on this word or phrase.

2. Read through the passage a second time.

This time, prayer through the passage, reading phrase by phrase. Talk to God, pausing to listen and respond to Him as you read.

Pause & Pray

In silence, bring your attention to the present moment.

3. Read through the passage a third time.

Sit in stillness again as you contemplate the word or phrase that stood out to you and how it may apply to your life right now.

Notice

Notice your body: What are you feeling right now?

Notice your thoughts: What are you thinking right now?

Notice your circumstances: What is happening in your life right now?

Compassionately consider these things, and listen to what the Holy Spirit may be revealing to you in light of today’s reading and meditation. What invitation might God be extending to you today? If you would like, take out a journal and write what God is inviting you to.

Surrendering Prayer

As I prepare to enter into the rest of my day, Lord,

May my pace be slow and unhurried, ever aware of Your presence with me.

May my mind be attentive and clear, noticing the gift of every moment.

May my heart be gentle and kind, showing compassion to myself and others.

Jesus, You are the Maker and Sustainer of all things. You are the anchor of my soul, a sure and steady Rock through every storm.

Today, I release the need to try so hard to keep it all together, and I rest in You, the keeper of my soul, knowing You hold me safe and secure.

Keep turning my thoughts to whatever is honorable. Transform me to be more like You.

Amen.

Embody

Continue to contemplate the word and invitation God gave you today.

Consider: How can you invite Jesus, the divine and incarnate Son of God, into the messy parts of your life? How can you show that He is worthy of honor today?