We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. (Hebrews 2:1-4)
OK, so God spoke through angels in ages past, and now He’s spoken through His Son. So what? Does that mean that what was spoken before is any less true? Let’s even take the punishment aspect out of it. What’s the most impressive? What’s the most dangerous? If you encounter a bonfire, you will likely escape unscathed. Even if it escapes from its fire circle and a forest fire results, you may be able to escape. The farthest the bonfire’s flames can go is the borders of the continent. A quasar, on the other hand, even if we’re a thousand lightyears away, it would likely mean the destruction of the planet.
Or, let’s think of it another way. Suppose you lived on the coast, and a man in a smart uniform rowed a boat up to the dock and announced that he was Seaman Third Class Jonah Angel, here to deliver a message from the United States that you are to do thus-and-so.
You might shrug off the guy in the dingy, but suppose a battleship cruised into port, and a man on a PA system announced, “My name is Admiral Christopher Grady, commander of the U.S. Fleet Forces Command/U.S. Naval Forces Northern Command and you are to do thus-and-so.” (Yes, there is such a person and that is his title.)
The situation is a little different, isn’t it? Maybe enough of a difference to make us realize that we need to pay attention? So why is it when the Word of God tells us something, we treat it as if it were the seaman third class, and not the admiral talking?
We would be wise to treat what Scripture says far more carefully.
Or, let’s think of it another way. Suppose you lived on the coast, and a man in a smart uniform rowed a boat up to the dock and announced that he was Seaman Third Class Jonah Angel, here to deliver a message from the United States that you are to do thus-and-so.
You might shrug off the guy in the dingy, but suppose a battleship cruised into port, and a man on a PA system announced, “My name is Admiral Christopher Grady, commander of the U.S. Fleet Forces Command/U.S. Naval Forces Northern Command and you are to do thus-and-so.” (Yes, there is such a person and that is his title.)
The situation is a little different, isn’t it? Maybe enough of a difference to make us realize that we need to pay attention? So why is it when the Word of God tells us something, we treat it as if it were the seaman third class, and not the admiral talking?
We would be wise to treat what Scripture says far more carefully.
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