Hebrews 2

 

Heb 2:1  Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. 

 

"Therefore" signifies the conclusion the writer has arrived from chapter 1. The writer of Hebrews has arrived that since Christ, the author of the new dispensation, is so far exalted above the prophets, and even above the angels, we ought to give the more earnest attention to all that has been spoken. For even the Father who is in heaven has declared: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him" (Matthew 17:5).

 

The warning is also for us today. The problem with men is not just in talking but also in listening. Studies have shown that we forget ninety percent of what we have heard. Can you recall who spoke during the worship last Sunday and what was his sermon about? How about two Sundays ago? It's even harder, right?

 

God wants us to pay very much closer attention to the things that we have heard, lest we drift away from it. Why? Because the things that we hear from the word of God concern our eternal destiny: "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation" (v.3).

 

"Neglect" is enough to ruin a man. Basically, to neglect is to disregard or do nothing, usually something we know we must do. A person who neglects his health will pay with his wealth. A businessman who neglects his business will lose it all. A student who neglects his studies is certain to fail his exams. Neglect wrecks trains and causes them to stall.

 

What about our salvation? How can we neglect our salvation?

1.      When we do not take our salvation seriously: "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46).

2.      When we put off surrendering our life to Christ for another day: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23).

3.      When we fail to grow spiritually: "For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was" (James 1:24).

4.      When we fail to take worship of God seriously: "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me" (Matthew 15:8).

5.      When we let other matters become more important than the Lord: "And the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful" (Matthew 13:22).

6.      When we fail to use our talents for God: "And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 25:30).

 

We must admit that the sin of neglect is one sin we continue doing. And, the thing that is going to cost most of us to come to everlasting grief in the Day of Judgment is NEGLECT! No sane person would purposely want to go to hell, but yet, many do not do anything to avoid it. Many want to go to heaven but are unprepared because they are too busy to do anything about it. God has sent out His invitation to all but many just couldn't care about it: "The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.  And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come" (Luke 14:18-20).

 

Sad, isn't it? Are you one of those who continue to make excuses? The writer of Hebrews is writing to Christians. Are you listening? Your neglect will cost your soul dearly. It is exceedingly necessary that we give heed to what we have heard: "My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him," (2 Chronicles 29:11).

 

Jimmy Lau

Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.