Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-4 (NIV)

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. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

Anakin Skywalker was the Chosen One. That never was terribly debated among the Jedi, just accepted after the death of Qui-Gon Jinn. With that title came some expectations and assumptions, one of which was that he was the Best Jedi Ever. He was the culmination of what the Force was wanting to do through the Jedi and there would never be anyone better than him.

It’s true that Anakin really was one of the best Jedi of his day. He led with abandon, he called upon the Force with ease, and he destroyed enemies left and right. There’s no indication that he was a deep student of the Force, dealing with its mysteries and its philosophies, but he definitely was considered the poster boy for the Order. Other Jedi looked up to him and wanted to emulate him. He was far from perfect, though, as was quickly seen when push came to shove. Instead of holding fast to the faith he was brought up with, he threw that aside to save his wife (that wasn’t really in danger) and gain more power with the Dark Side.

It was up to his son, Luke, to fulfill more of the expectations laid on his father. Luke was the one that laid down power to stay true to who he was and his faith in his father. Luke was the one that became so strong in the Force that he was considered one of the greatest Jedi ever. He went beyond what Anakin had done to be even better.

The prophets were strong in the power of God and were always telling folks how to live in the way that He wanted them to live. They performed miraculous signs and wonders through the Spirit of the Most High. They tried many different ways to get the message of God’s love into the thick heads of his people. Sometimes they succeeded, but it never seemed to stick for long. More often, they were rejected or scorned for their message.

God knew that they’d never truly succeed, which is why He had in His pocket the plan He had made at the beginning of the world. He sent Jesus, His Son, to the earth to be prophet and priest, king and servant. Jesus lived the ideal life, the life that God had designed for humans to live from the very beginning. He walked with God every step of the way, even the final steps to the cross. He fulfilled everything the prophets had talked about.

If we have kids, we always hope that they are going to surpass us in every way. We want them to be better off than we are, smarter than we are, more faithful than we are. Sometimes it works out that way, sometimes it doesn’t. As Christians, though, we want them to trust in the Son like we do, following Him even closer than we do. If they do that, our job as parents will be successful and, in the end, we will never be separated from them. May they always follow His path!