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 purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. (Hebrews 1:3 ESV) ‍

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I remember being told my whole life that I resembled my mom and her side of the family. Now my oldest daughter gets the comments, referring to her as my mini-me or my twin. A few have even used the phrase “the spitting image” – whatever that means. Sometimes, mannerisms and personality traits also add to the opinions of those making such a comparison. There might not necessarily be a family resemblance, but there is a resemblance of character. I have often told my girls that they will begin to “look like” (act like) whoever they choose to allow influence in their lives. Today’s Scripture gives us a picture of the resemblance people must have recognized in the person of Jesus from an eternity spent with his Father God. Today, we begin a new series called The Drift, reflecting on how we can slowly, and even unintentionally, drift from our faith in Christ. To stay rooted, there must be an intentionality in our lives.  

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What must it have been like to encounter Jesus while He walked with His disciples? There is evidence throughout the Gospels that he drew a crowd wherever He went. This attraction is, no doubt, indicative of people recognizing Jesus’ deity in His humanity. Today’s Scripture gives us a peek at why the resemblance was so strong, speaking of Jesus as the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of God’s nature. Ultimately, people were able to tangibly meet their Creator in the flesh, and they longed to be near Him, known by Him, and loved. To know Jesus is to know God. Jesus’ very being radiated with the glory of God. If you think of radiant heat, or a radiant smile, these are examples of things that cause you to feel their effect by proximity. Someone with a radiant smile draws you in, and radiant heat causes you to feel warm when you’re near it.  

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I often brace myself when someone makes a comment as to who they believe I resemble. As I grow older, it seems to have less to do with looks and more to do with character. Some comparisons feel like a punch to the gut while others feel like high praise. As I think of the characteristics of my friends, I start to recognize some of their characteristics growing in me. These similarities are due to the time spent with the friends I wish to emulate. The same is true of getting to know the character of God. We can begin to embody and exemplify His character the more we spend time with Him.  

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Our Scripture continues by stating that Jesus’ very Word upholds the Universe. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” “Word” in this verse is referring to Jesus and establishes that Jesus had already existed forever with God the Father. Naturally, even in His human form, Jesus radiated His “family resemblance” to the Heavenly Father. Today’s Scripture goes on to say that Jesus was the purification for sin, and this gave Him eternal glory and superiority over the angels. God Himself places Jesus in the place of highest honor. This begs the question, shouldn’t we?

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If you say you love Jesus, are you spending enough time in His presence to begin to “look like” Him? Is Jesus superior to all else in your life? Is He your friend whose character traits rub off on you? I know I could use some significant time in His presence for this purpose. I pray that as you reflect on the relationships you pour time and attention into that your resemblance will be one of radiance of God’s glory.  

Lord Jesus, I’m so thankful for the family resemblance you’ve grown in me. I pray you would show me the areas that I’m allowing other influences to shape me, that do not look like You. Help my desire to be for You and Your presence so that I may reflect Your character even more. I pray You would be with us, that we might reflect Your radiance. Amen.