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. 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.

--Parallel verses:
‭II Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬
‭For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give us the Light of the knowledge of the glory and majesty of God [clearly revealed] in the face of Christ. [Gen 1:3]

Imagine with me a traveling spaceship that lands in your city once every year, or sometimes more often. On this spaceship lives aliens who travel from a world that is far superior to ours in every way. Their leader never comes out to meet anyone. No one is allowed on the ship and nobody can visit the other world. A series of ambassadors comes out and tell us what their leader wants us to do. They also tell us there will be consequences if we do not follow his commands. If we do follow, we will have a good life and be rewarded.

A few choose to listen to these ambassadors who cause no harm and whose instructions are, in fact, good advice and it goes well for them. Most people do not listen and go on living for themselves, ignoring these instructions.

Then one day, the leader himself comes out and presents his son, who will live with us for a few years. He to trains us in the leader’s ways and model for us this good life. When he leaves, he has followers he has trained and, for those who desire it, he gives them a small piece of himself. This piece can be placed on one’s side and reminds us of the best ways to live.

Which way of teaching, training, or transferring goodness and truth is better? Clearly the in-person modeling right?

In greater fashion, Jesus came and was not just a close relative, he was the exact representation of God. He was God. And he modeled for us on earth for the way to live a life surrendered to God. This surrendered life gave him complete access to the power of God and a perfect submission to God‘s will and plan for him. His light shown in life through his heart, by his thoughts, and by his actions. As perfect as he was, so the light that shown from him was a perfect reflection of God‘s light.

Light shines ahead of us and lays out the best path. It gives us the ability to walk and live in clarity, and it helps to grow and sustain life. Jesus was the light of the world. And Hebrews explains this as the exact representation of God and the radiance of his glory.

He came to sacrifice his life for our sins, and once he completed that he returned to his galactical throne of glory, at the right hand of God. II Corinthians further clarifies what we have been given in Jesus Christ. For those who believe in him, a light shines in our hearts. This light is the Holy Spirit, who is one with God, the Father & Jesus, his Son.

Where the prophets of old tried to convey God’s thoughts and intentions at times, Jesus represented God’s complete nature, all the time, in his life. And his death and resurrection he gave us the ability to have his Spirit in our hearts. What an INCREDIBLE gift!

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of Jesus Christ. He shines all the time in my heart, and he motivates me to be loving and pure, though I fail him at times. His power sustains me.