The Superior Messenger - Part 4

READ: Hebrews 2:1-4
Because of this, it was necessary for us to pay much closer attention to the things heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels was certain, and every deviation and disobedience received just punishment, how shall we escape ignoring so great a salvation, which at first, having received it spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard? God also was giving proof with signs and wonders and various powers and distributions of the Holy Spirit, according to his will.

REFLECT
The Hebrew writer is arguing from the lesser to the greater. If the message spoken through angels was certain and every trespass was justly punished, then how much more serious must we be with regard to the message spoken through the Lord? I really believe that a lot of people who call themselves Christians minimize the seriousness of ignoring God's word under the covenant of grace because they truly do see grace as a licence to sin. Yet this passage, along with several others in Hebrews (and other New Testament writings) tells us the opposite: the covenant of grace should be a motivation for even greater seriousness when it comes to hearing and obeying the word of God.

So let's get practical. This message was confirmed by those who heard it from the Lord Jesus, and even God himself testified to its authenticity by giving proof via the various miraculous signs the apostles were able to perform. We are privileged to be able to hold in our hands and scan with our eyes the very words of the Almighty God! Yet, how seriously (i.e, consistently and deeply) do we listen to him? How much time and effort do we put into hearing God's word, either directly through reading or even indirectly through those who would explain it to us? In our day and age, there is no excuse, especially for those of us in the develop countries - God's word is readily available to us in many forms, and trustworthy teaching is just as easily accessed.

Remember, this passage wasn't written to non-Christians who had rejected, or had never heard about, Jesus. It was written to those who had put their faith in him and made a commitment to follow him. His challenge to not ignore this saving message is to those of us who call ourselves his disciples.

PRAY
Father, there are too many periods of time where I do not take the time nor put in the effort that truly hearing your word deserves. I want a quick fix, an instant reminder, a spark of inspiration, a exciting insight. I am too lazy to get up early or stay up late or too worldly to divert my attention from worldly things or too self-reliant to really believe I need you like a tree needs water. I am so grateful for your grace, Father, that gives me the certain hope that my sins are forgiven, but I do not want to abuse that grace and risk my salvation because I'm either too lazy or too prideful. I pray that the conviction I have at this moment will only strengthen as I devote dedicated times to hearing you speak to me through the message of your Son.

OBEY
Be honest with yourself and with God right now: How seriously do you seek to know God and his will through reading and reflecting on his word? On your list of life's priorities, where does bible study fit in? How much time and energy have you spent this last week listening to the word of God? How much time and energy have you put into your career, your education, your recreation, your hobbies or your relationships this week? Are you at risk for "ignoring so great a salvation"?