Listen Carefully

Text: Hebrews 2:1-4

Theme: God confirmed a message we dare not ignore.

Key verses: “So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose” (v. 1-4).

What God said to me: Dwayne, listen carefully. Don’t miss a word I say. I’ve already said it through my Son and through those I inspired to write my Word, the Holy Bible. Listen up. Read it slowly and read it again and again. Meditate on it day and night, so that you will be like a tree planted by rivers of water, bearing fruit and prospering in all you do for my glory.  Notice it says, “Every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished.” That hearkens back to what I said to Joshua when I called him to lead the Israelites into the promised land. I said, “Do not turn to the right or the left, but be careful to obey everything I have told you in the Law.” I’m serious about those words, Dwayne. I punished those in the Old Testament who didn’t obey my dictates. How does anyone today think you could escape and have a different result than they did? Because of my Son’s sacrifice for you on the cross and because of my mercy, you will escape my wrath. Nonetheless, I still expect you to obey what I say. Jesus said, “You are my friends, if you do whatever I command.” Yes, you do live in the “age of grace.” But don’t assume my grace can be an opportunity for you to sin and ignore my commands. You still have to listen to my words and obey them.

What I said to God: Thank You, holy God, for speaking so clearly to my heart this morning. There is so much to try to grasp in the book of Hebrews. It is so rich with truth and insight. But no truth is more clear and important that what I’ve read today. The pain you’ve endured and the love you’ve poured out deserves my obedience and devotion. I will close my prayer today with this poem by Isaac Watts. May it express our deepest heart-felt desire.

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.