#DailyDevotion 8/10/2020 - Hebrew 2:1 - 4
It’s easy in life to get caught up in matters that seem very important to us, often, we neglect matters that are huge in light of eternity. We justify our current priorities by saying, “I’ve got to get through school.” “I’ve got to get established in my career.” “I’ve got to get the kids raised, and then I’ll have some time.” Many of these pressing matters are good and important, but they easily can crowd out the most important thing. As a result, even we who know the truth of the gospel are always in danger of wandering spiritually.
The author of Hebrews has spent the first chapter extolling the sovereignty of the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. But in chapter 2 the first thing is a command or a duty — something we must do. And the connection with chapter 1 is very important. Chapter 2 begins, “For this reason . . .” (or: some versions have, “therefore”). In other words, chapter 2 begins by telling us that chapter 1 is the reason for this duty. Because God has spoken by his Son in these last days, and because he is the Creator, Sustainer. Owner, Ruler and Redeemer of the world — above all angels — therefore (“for this reason . . .”) “we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard.”
So, the first command in this book — the first duty mentioned — is that we give heed to the Word of God in his Son.
Whom do you listen to? God has spoken through His Son; do you listen to Him? How does your listening to Him compare to your listening to other things?
In verse 3, we are reminded that it is a great salvation “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” The salvation Christ offers is inexpressibly boundless. In church circles we toss around the word “salvation” so often that it loses its true meaning. But verse 3 contains another word to alert us: “escape.” “How shall we escape…?” An escape points to a situation of great peril. You don’t need to be saved unless you are in grave danger of perishing.
Outside of Jesus Christ, every sinner (all have sinned) is under God’s just condemnation. Breaking God’s holy law incurs a just penalty (2:2), namely, eternal separation from God in hell. “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). God’s wrath abides on the one who does not obey Jesus Christ (John 3:36).
Salvation is about Jesus rescuing you from the wrath to come! And since every person is in imminent danger of facing that wrath, salvation is every person’s greatest need!
This great salvation was not only “at the first spoken through the Lord,” but also “it was confirmed to us by those who heard” (2:3). God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will (2:4).
it points to something beyond the bare fact. Wonders emphasize the human response of awe and amazement when we witness God doing the humanly impossible. The testimony of God is recorded in the Word of God. It is steadfast and stands secure on the unchangeable and trustworthy character of God, Who in His grace has warned us not to neglect our salvation.
Suggested prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I am thankful of this great Salvation You gave unto me freely. I recommit my life and trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. May I be faithful to share the message of salvation today with others who are yet to know you. For Your glory, in Jesus' name, Amen.
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