How Shall We Escape?

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Scripture: Hebrews 2:1-4 (ESV)

Therefore, we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2 For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, 4 while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

Devotion:

            The writer of Hebrews calls us to pay attention to what we have heard. He means the gospel of Jesus Christ. In our culture it is hard to pay attention. There are so many distractions that tempt us to lose focus. Drifting away from the gospel is frighteningly easy to do. We often pay closer attention to our phones and social media accounts than we do to the things of God. The fact is the gospel is easily displaced by things of far less significance in the long view of eternity. When we get to heaven there will be no prize for getting the most followers, likes, or shares. The sole important question will be whether or not we followed Jesus.

            This scripture declares that all transgressions and disobedience to what we find written in the scripture will be punished. We know that Jesus died and took all that punishment on himself, but only if we trust and believe in him. These words are written to those who are church goers but not yet Christians. Those who seek to toy with the things of faith without taking them seriously. Some people want to be encouraged by a message on Sunday morning without taking ever doing anything that would make someone suspicious that they are a Christian.

            Truly, then how shall we escape judgement if we neglect this great salvation that God has provided for us. Jesus suffered and died for our sins. The answer implied to the question is we will not escape; God will not be mocked. Those who take Jesus lightly will answer for their lack of faithfulness to the savior. We must pay close attention to the state of our souls. We should be using our gifts and talents that God gave us for his glory in this present life. We must long to hear these words from Jesus when we meet him in heaven: “Well done, my good and faithful servant enter into the joy of your master.”

            Our salvation must be a witness to all we meet during our day-to-day lives. God has given each of us gifts to use to build the kingdom on earth. The Holy Spirit has gifted each of us so that we will be His witnesses. God seeks to be made known to the world through the lives of each believer. Let us pray then that God will use us to show forth His kingdom.

Prayer:

            Holy God, let our mouths proclaim your praise. May we never cease to praise you for the great salvation you have provided through your son Jesus Christ. Let us show the world the wonders of the salvation that you have provided by our words and deeds. Let us never neglect the gospel you have provided to give us a way of escape from your judgement and wrath. Keep us in your care and show us how to love others as you have loved us. Amen.

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