Illuminated: Hebrews 1-2Àpẹrẹ

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,  - Hebrews 1:3 ESV

Greek Word Focus

φέρων/pheron: to carry, bear, bring

Why It Matters

One of the most moving stories from early church history is the martyrdom of a man named Polycarp. A disciple of Jesus’ apostle John, Polycarp was an important bridge connecting those who encountered Christ directly and the generations to come. When persecution flared up in Smyrna, Polycarp had two choices: renounce Jesus or lose his life. This elderly pastor faced his accusers and declared, “Eighty-six years I have been his servant, and he has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” 

Polycarp beautifully articulated what our Greek word today is communicating. Jesus pheron (carries, bears, brings together) the universe and everything in it by the word of his power. He who carries all things and bears it all up will never let you down. Polycarp reflected on 86 years of life and determined that Jesus had done him no wrong. He had experienced the power of God to pheron his life! We see in this verse that the power of God can both overwhelm with its expansive reach and encourage with its loving care. With this in mind, we find rest in the pheron that his powerful word provides us. If he can speak and uphold the universe, we can trust that he can hold our lives as well.

Application

How will I rest this week in what Jesus has completed?