February 3, 2017 LEST WE DRIFT
Hebrews 2:1-3: “For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard,”
When the newness wanes, there is a tendency to forget the impact of the new and drift from it. The same is true in our spiritual journey; when we first became a believer, we were filled with the joy of being born into the family of God, and we were open to all God said in His word. However, as a believer, we may be impacted by a truth we glean from scripture, but soon tend to drift from that that encounter with the scripture. Human nature is such that we are constantly searching for what is new. The verse above warns us about the possibility, and the danger of drifting from what we have heard from God through the scriptures. Everything that God has spoken has come to pass, or is coming to pass, so we would be wise to be alert to what He has spoken, knowing that His word never fails. There are two basic approaches to the reading of the scriptures or listening to the preaching of the scriptures. One may read, or ‘hear’ the scriptures to get information; some like to learn for the sake of learning. The second approach, and the one in keeping with this verse, is to view the scriptures as the word of God spoken to us, and what He has spoken is to be the very foundation for the life we live. The bible is more than an ‘instruction book,’ but you can say that the bible does give us instructions on how we are to live as His children. If we view the scriptures as the only source of truth that will guide us through life, then we will value, and remember, and act on the truth of scriptures. We would be wise to evaluate ourselves and determine if we take the scriptures in a casual manner, or do we view the scriptures as being absolutely necessary if we are to live according to the plans of God. If we neglect, or drift from what God has spoken, we will suffer the consequence. Our salvation is ‘great;’ it cost God the death of His Son. It is certainly the greatest of insults to God for believers not to pay close attention to every word He has spoken. Let us hear and receive the admonition of this verse to “pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” Let us not only read the scriptures, but let us be quick to apply what we read-that’s what it is all about.
James 1:22: “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
Romans 2:13: “for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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