The writer of Hebrews warned: don’t go with the flow. The readers of the letter were under persecution to return to Judaism. They wouldn’t have oppression from the government or their Jewish family if they returned to Mosaic law. It would be easy to go with the flow and avoid persecution.
The writer had just gone through numerous Old Testament verses highlighting how Jesus and His salvation were greater than angels. Now, the author warned the Jewish Christians not to turn away from their faith. They were to remember what they had heard so they didn’t drift away.
Hebrews 2:1So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. 2 For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. 3 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?[1]
Obedience Was Important Then and Now
The writer of Hebrews reminded his readers that it was important to be obedient to the law of Moses. Even though not mentioned in Exodus, Jewish tradition held that angels delivered the law to Moses from God. God punished those who disobeyed this law. Now, Jesus had shown them a way of salvation that is better. How could we (the author includes himself here) ignore this plan and miss salvation?
If we listen to the truth, we must devote thought and effort to follow it. We must be obedient to what Jesus asks us to do. Thus, the writer urged the readers to continue to follow Jesus no matter the cost.
Dangers of Drifting
Many people have a casual attitude toward their faith today. They pay more attention to their favorite sports team than to Biblical truth. If we aren’t moving forward in our faith, we will regress. Drifting is not dramatic but insidious and quiet. It is easier to drift than to maintain the same position. If we don’t pay attention, temptations and wrong attitudes carry us away from our faith.
We may assume that we are well-anchored in our beliefs and don’t need to prioritize the growth of our faith. Yet, change can happen gradually and remain undetected. We may be shocked to find that our faith has evaporated with neglect when we try to pick it up in a time of need. The message of Hebrews is still applicable to us today. Don’t go with the flow; pay attention to your faith.
To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-is-greater-than-angels
[1]Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.