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.
Hebrews 1:1-3 

---

Have you ever tried to learn a new language? It’s hard but possible. Starting today you can tackle 40+ languages using apps like Babbel, Duolingo, and Rosetta Stone. Combine this with being immersed in the culture and community of the language you desire to speak and you’re on your way to fluency!

Did you know that the most important language you need isn’t listed in a dropdown menu? Hebrews 1:1-3 lays out how God speaks to people like you and me. And if we don’t speak His language, we have no idea what’s really going on in history, now or forever.

After God spoke creation into existence (Genesis 1), He communicated through divine representatives—humans like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, judges and kings, and major and minor prophets. None of these people were perfect, but they were appointed by God to speak on His behalf. Then, at Christ’s birth, everything changed.

Moving forward, Hebrews 1:2 says God, “has spoken to us by his Son.” It was no ordinary baby born in a manger in Bethlehem; it was God Himself in the flesh (Luke 2; John 1). While it’s awesome that Immanuel, “God with us,” launches a new chapter in history, there’s more behind verse two. The NIV in English misses something embedded in the original Greek. God spoke a new language that we need to learn.

When Christ was born, God switched from speaking Hebrew through humans to speaking “in Son,” as theology buff and linguist friend of mine, David Livermore, highlighted to me years ago. God literally communicated, and still communicates, “in one who has the quality of being Son.” Hebrews 1:1-3 portrays these extraordinary qualities of Jesus as God, creator, priest, and king—a study all its own (see also Colossians 1:15-20). Essentially, the heavenly Father started speaking Jesus through the birth of His Son.

Today’s simple question is this: Do you speak Jesus? This isn’t about rattling off church or spiritual lingo. Speaking Jesus means becoming fluent in the way God communicates—Jesus. It requires hearing from and talking to God, comprehending what He says, and representing His Son every step of the way.

As we approach Christmas, my prayer is that we’ll take speaking Jesus seriously, in whatever we say and do, so that people around us hear God’s divine voice clearly.

Next Steps

What’s the difference between saying Jesus-related stuff and speaking Jesus? Journal about this and share what you’re learning with someone God brings to mind.