Read Hebrews 2:1-4
Walking around in Hong Kong was a very dangerous endeavor. Everyone is looking down on their phones as they walk. Being hit and bumped was the norm! In short, no one would pay attention to anyone else, to their surroundings or even to any dangers, such as a car or bus. There were many times when I wanted to shout: PAY ATTENTION! In fact, I think I may have.
In today’s passage, we are told to pay close attention to the gospel message that has saved us. At first, God provided the message in the Old Testament law, and failure to keep that law was a punishable offence. This is the message that was spoken by angels (in Jewish thought, it was an angel that appeared to Moses on Mt. Sinai and gave him the law). But God also provided salvation – because the Law could not be perfectly kept, God sent Jesus to be the Saviour.
What does it mean to be saved? Salvation means entering God’s eternal kingdom, which begins now and lasts forever. We are saved from the God’s wrath; his judgement over our sin and rebellion. Sin separates us from God, and the consequence of sin is death. Salvation then, is our deliverance from the consequence of sin, and even our guilt is removed. This happens through the death of Jesus on the cross, because it is only the death of the divine Son of God, one who is greater in every way, that we can be saved. Salvation happens by simply believing this truth and placing our lives in the hands of Jesus, who didn’t stay dead, but rose again to new life and who gives us life too!
We are told today that Jesus’ salvation is greater than the law and was clearly announced (see Romans 10:9). Yet as readers we are warned that it is possible to miss or drift away from this message. If breaking the Old Testament law was punishable, then rejecting the greater message of the Gospel, rejecting Jesus, will bring an even greater punishment. The focus, again, is on Jesus who is greater! Why go after lesser things, even supernatural beings like angels, when you can have the greater.
Reflect
- The gospel message is found clearly in God’s Word, the Bible. In Matthew 4:4 Jesus says God’s Word is as important to our survival as food. Are there any areas of your life where you need to pay more careful attention to keep you from drifting in your relationship with Jesus?
- Create a list of things you can do to help you pay close attention to God’s Word.
- Have a look at the lyrics to following song. How does it relate to today’s passage?
Why do you think Christians sing songs using God’s Word?
Speak, O Lord
Speak, O Lord, as we come to You
To receive the food of Your Holy Word.
Take Your truth, plant it deep in us;
Shape and fashion us in Your likeness.
That the light of Christ might be seen today;
In our acts of love and our deeds of faith.
Speak, O Lord, and fulfill in us
All your purposes for Your glory.
By Keith and Kristyn Getty
Pray
Father God, thank you that my salvation is found in Jesus and that it is as simple as placing my trust in you for the forgiveness of my sin. Thank you that you are not silent but continue to speak through your Son, through His Word. Help me daily to pay close attention to your voice, to listen to it and to obey it. Amen.