Pay Attention

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Scripture: Hebrews 2:1-4 (NRSV)

Therefore, we must pay greater attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. 2 For if the message declared through angels was valid, and every transgression or disobedience received a just penalty, 3 how can we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? It was declared at first through the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him, 4 while God added his testimony by signs and wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, distributed according to his will.

Devotion:

            In this scripture, we are called to pay close attention to the gospel that we read and hear read from the Bible. The writer of Hebrews (whoever they were) calls us to take our eyes off of ourselves, (and our phones) and put them on Jesus who has provided salvation for us. The writer calls us to pay attention to the words of the law given in the Old Testament and to the signs, wonders, and gifts of the Holy Spirit displayed since Pentecost. These are sure signs that the world has been visited by Go in the person of Jesus Christ.

            The author is trying to make sure that his readers do not miss what is happening all around them. Indeed, he does not want us to miss what is happening around us. The gospel is being preached and people are coming to Christ for healing and relief from their anxiety and depression. All around us God is working through the power of the Holy Spirit to change the world for the better. It is easy, in our culture. to focus our attention on the things that are wrong (and there are many) rather than on what God is accomplishing among us.

            Truly, “how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” We, as the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 1:18, all of us, can see the workings of God in creation and nature. All his wildness and power is demonstrated daily and openly for all to see. We, therefore, are without excuse because God’s handiwork is readily available for viewing by all people. God also continues to work through his people who in obedience to his will are called to be channels for his love and power.

            What we shall be will be revealed when the Lord returns. What we are now if we follow the Lord is plain for everyone to see. Let us ask God to conform us to the very image of his Son and be filled with the Holy Spirit that we may be a positive testimony to God in a world that is neglecting the great salvation that the Lord has supplied.

Prayer:

            Heavenly Father. we thank you for the great salvation you have provided for us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Help us by empowering us with your Holy Spirit to reclaim any ground lost to the enemy of our souls. May we be faithful stewards of that power applying it wherever it is needed in this tired old world. Let us bring glory to you, O God, by being faithful to you, and following where your Son leads us. Amen.

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