One of the safe things about salvation is that the final word has been spoken. Not only is Jesus the last word of God, but Jesus so fulfills the work of God that nothing more need or can be said. Here in Hebrews 1, we see that “he [Jesus] sat down”. A seated High Priest (rather than standing and interceding) is one whose work is finished. He has completed his ministry as High Priest for he made “purification for sins”.

When siting, Hebrews also notes that he “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” A King who is sitting as a King and Judge is sitting because he is “in session”. Being “in session” means that his sovereign rule has been effected. A King who is sitting is not mediating conflict, not fighting with his enemies, not subjecting rebellious subjects, but all that has been accomplished. A sitting king is a king at rest, and he is ready to rule.

The Gospel of John says something similar. John, records Jesus’ last words from the cross. In John 19:28 we read that Jesus cried out, “It is finished.” He has completed, once for all, the work of salvation — nothing more can or need be done. The Greek renders the sentence with one word: “tetelestai”.

This sonnet is based on Hebrews 1:1-4 which reads,

1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,
2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
3 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,
4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

You may listen to me read the sonnet via the player below.

Speak to me three-person’d God, for you
In silence stand far off beyond knowing
Or my seeing the purpose of what’s true
In the senseless storms of blather’s blowing.
I beg for a sign, some word that you’re there
That you see the world of my sorrow and tears
That you’ll respond showing with love and care,
Marking the weight of my worries and fears.

In-folded here that we might see and know,
You were silent so that all could be said,
For our hunger, pierced, in death left below
To rise up in light, your life feed as bread.
In your silence, I’ve listened, seen and heard
The full and meet answer: God’s final word.

© Randall Edwards 2017
This sonnet is for Christ’s church. If it is helpful, please feel free to copy or reprint in church bulletins, read aloud, or repost. I only ask that an attribution be cited to myself (Randall Edwards) and this blog (backwardmutters.com). Thanks.