Nougat 14

How do we treat an honored guest? Any differently from everyone else? What about when w we need something from the guest, or more importantly, what if the guest is Jesus? This and more to ponder in today’s Holy Nougat

“The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Hearing God: From that Place of Honor

A guest of honor is usually accorded all the best privileges of the visit. We take out the fancy chinaware, the ‘starched’ linens, and might even don our Sunday best for that person. Expected our not, it’s likely that we kill or order the fatted calf to ensure that the best cut of meat is offered to the individual. At least, that’s what was done back in the day.

It was also de riguer in Jesus’ day. So the parable of the Sons includes the reference to the killing of the ‘fatted calf’ as the father’s response to the wayward son’s return (see Luke 15:11-32). And it may be the fact that the fatted calf was for honored guests that got the older brother offended. Regardless, the message is clear – honored guests are celebrated. Just ask Martha (see Luke 10:38-42). Again, we note that sometimes special treatment of honored guests can backfire, but that does not negate the expectation of special treatment.

But what if the honoree isn’t a guest? In Jamaica, this is normative. The head of the household, especially when there is a male, used to benefit from the privileges that accompany the position. So they got the chicken leg bone, the only piece of meat or the special treat. And, their word carried far more weight (authority) than everyone else’s.

Having completed His direct earthly work, Jesus has such a role in Heaven. Yet, He has chosen to prepare our passage to eternity even while in Heaven. Is that not what He promised in John 14? Moreover, we are told that even now Jesus, God’s honored guest in Heaven, intercedes for us there at God’s right hand – the place of highest honor (see Romans 8:34). Ain’t Jesus grand?!

To hear God from ‘that place of honor’ is to recognize that we are truly God’s beloved. For, Jesus not only cleansed us from our sins by way of Calvary and the Resurrection, but He secures our space until we get right with God by accepting His gift. (And afterwards also). When we hear this Jesus, are we not also inclined to share the news of such great love?

We have a Kinsman Redeemer Who looks out for us Big Time! And while we can’t serve Him the fatted calf (He is the Spotless Lamb), we can choose to sit at His feet, while giving Him pride of place in our hearts. He is God’s Beloved Son: let’s listen to Him (see Matthew 19:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35)!

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May all we seek be found in Christ