How Shall We Escape?
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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