Hebrews 2:1-4 (ESV)
Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
The above passage is the first of six warning passages in the book of Hebrews. The warning passages are called such because they warn the reader of the book about the possibility of falling away from their salvation. To fully appreciate these passages we have to first remember that our salvation is firmly anchored in Jesus Christ. The writer of the book will remind us that later
Hebrews 6:19-20 (ESV)
We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
The picture we have in the above passage is that of a ship who has lost its anchor and is drifting in the sea. We are not to let go of our belief in the anchor of or soul.
The above passage sets the tone for the next five. We are being reminded that the message we have been given (about Christ’s superiority to the Old Testament sacrifices and to angels) is reliable. The writer gives some reasons why we can hold to this message of Christ and not “drift” away from it.
1. Jesus is superior to Old Testament Law that was declared by angels. This Law was validated by the way those who broke the Law were disciplined.
2. Jesus declared that He was surprise or to the Law and was the savior of the world.
3. Jesus’ disciples declared that Jesus was the Messiah and superior to the Law and we are to put our faith in him.
4. God sent signs and wonders through Jesus and His disciples to demonstrate the Spirit’s power and the message of Jesus.
We do not have to drift away and will not if we hold fast the message delivered to us. But, we must pay attention to that message. This is not a passive attention. Note what one commentator says about this word “attention” in this section:
Pay… attention (4337) (prosecho [word study] from pros = toward + echo = to have, hold) means literally "to hold toward", to hold (the mind) to, to apply one’s self to, to attach one’s self to. The idea is to "take hold" of something and pay attention to it, "putting your mind on it", especially in the sense of being on guard. It means to turn the mind to something and includes the idea of to act upon what one perceives (cf Acts 8:6; 16:14).
It is noteworthy that 12 of the 24 NT uses of prosecho are in the present imperative which is a command (see word study) calling for continual attention! In the present passage the verb is in the present tense which also calls for continual attention.
Prosecho means to be in a continuous state of readiness to learn of any future danger, need, or error, and to respond appropriately - keep on the lookout for, be alert for, be on one's guard against. Prosecho almost always warns of danger. Prosecho is not a call simply to notice or sense something, but to be on guard against it because it is harmful.
We are to pay active attention to the truth that Jesus is superior to all and we are to obey His words and believe in His death and resurrection for us.
No comments:
Post a Comment