LET US NOT DRIFT AWAY
Today’s New Testament reading is from Hebrews chapter 2. In the opening verses of this chapter, we are given this warning:
“1) 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?”
I believe this warning was directed to an original Hebrew audience made up of genuine believers who had accepted Jesus as God’s Messiah as well as Jews who were not yet convinced of Jesus’ Lordship. For us believers, the danger is drifting away from the truth of the Gospel. The imagery used here is that of a ship that has been secured to a safe harbor. A ship that is not secured is likely to drift away from its dock or harbor and risk the dangers of a ship at the mercy of the sea.
So, these verses are a warning NOT to drift away from Christ’s teachings in our day to day living. We must not become complacent in our walk with Christ. Neglecting our study of and meditation on the Word, our prayers and conversations with our heavenly Father, and fellowship with God’s family are all temptations that will cause us drift.
I don’t believe the author of Hebrews is suggesting we could lose our salvation in verse 3, but he is saying that we will not escape the consequences of neglecting the Good News. We risk the loss of both earthly and heavenly reward. Let us examine ourselves and also encourage others so that we stay securely moored to our great salvation, the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ!
“1) 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?”
I believe this warning was directed to an original Hebrew audience made up of genuine believers who had accepted Jesus as God’s Messiah as well as Jews who were not yet convinced of Jesus’ Lordship. For us believers, the danger is drifting away from the truth of the Gospel. The imagery used here is that of a ship that has been secured to a safe harbor. A ship that is not secured is likely to drift away from its dock or harbor and risk the dangers of a ship at the mercy of the sea.
So, these verses are a warning NOT to drift away from Christ’s teachings in our day to day living. We must not become complacent in our walk with Christ. Neglecting our study of and meditation on the Word, our prayers and conversations with our heavenly Father, and fellowship with God’s family are all temptations that will cause us drift.
I don’t believe the author of Hebrews is suggesting we could lose our salvation in verse 3, but he is saying that we will not escape the consequences of neglecting the Good News. We risk the loss of both earthly and heavenly reward. Let us examine ourselves and also encourage others so that we stay securely moored to our great salvation, the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ!
by Paul Schmidt, Elder
Posted in Read Through the Bible
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