For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. (Hebrews 2:10)

The goal of many communicators, whether journalists, theologians or preachers, is to author a book. In some sense, being an author immortalizes a writer, even the most obscure, with the hope that some future generation will discover his or her piece and be blessed by the written ministry. In so doing the author has etched him or herself into written history. To be sure, vanity is something an author (and everyone) struggles with.

Jesus Christ (while not wrestling with vanity in the least) was an author, did you know? Not the writing kind, for the only record we have of anything Jesus wrote was His fingering the dirt in front of the Pharisees who attempted to trip Him up with the case of the adulterous woman (John 8:10-11). What we wouldn’t give to know what He wrote, but the Bible has not revealed that to us. The imprint of that on the woman’s soul, let alone on the consciences of the Pharisees, had a long-lasting effect.

But His authorship extended beyond that. Our Scripture today says that for Christians—that means you and me—He is the “author of their salvation.” Our Christian lives are recorded in His book of our lives, beginning with salvation. We wonder if this is related to the Lamb’s book of life that is written about in Revelation (e.g. Rev 4:3, 21:27, etc.). For those who reject Christ, the writing is completely erased (Rev 3:5), as though they were never recorded there in the first place (Rev 13:8, 17:8).

The phrase “author of their salvation” could also be translated as Christ being the “founder” (ESV), “pioneer” (NIV), “leader” (NLT) or “captain” (NKJV). Like a novelist who brings his characters to life, Christ has brought us who believe into eternal life. He pioneered our new life in Himself, because He was raised from the dead.

Sit back and let this sink in. God is creating His story through you. You are one of the lead characters, being woven together into a grand theme that brings glory to our spiritual progenitor. In a sense, we could say Jesus writes His autobiography in and through our lives. It is truly not ultimately about us, but about Him. Like a wonderful, intricately woven plot, where even the smallest of details find meaning in the unfolding of the plot, you and I are part of God’s masterpiece, truly His magnum opus! What a tremendous Author!

Lord, I am amazed at how You weave together the intricate details of our lives into the glorious story of You!