These Verses Issue A Warning to Pay Attention
1
We must pay the most careful attention,
therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2
For since the message spoken through
angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its
just punishment, 3
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. Hebrews 2:1-3 NIV
Regularly gathering in the house of the Lord with brothers and sisters
in Christ provides an "anchor" of support and accountability. But
skipping church in order to pursue other interests is an obvious sign
that a believer has begun to drift away from God. Less apparent are the
men and women who mentally skip the worship service. The act of
attending means nothing unless we make a deliberate decision to receive
God's Word and apply it to our life. As the writer of Hebrews warned, if
we do not pay attention to what we have heard, we will drift away from
it (2:1).
However, Sunday morning is not the only time for receiving a steady
diet of nourishing principles and encouragement from the Bible. We
should be in its pages every day, reading and meditating for ourselves.
When our interest in what God has to say decreases, we're already
slipping out into troublesome waters. The only way to keep our way pure
is by following His Word (Ps. 119:9).
If Bible reading is neglected, a prayer life has usually faded as well.
Prayer is the way believers communicate with the Navigator. If we stop
talking with Him, the God who once seemed so close soon feels far away.
That chasm in our spirit is one more sign that we're far from shore and
safety.
I've watched many a captain guide his cruise ship through a narrow
channel. The crew members are intensely focused on their tasks because
drifting means disaster. Life is full of narrow channels to navigate. We
cannot afford to drift away from God and His Word. Only He can bring us
safely through.
Today's Bible Verse...
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.—Isaiah 40:29
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Even
the most pumped up and positive ones of us find ourselves broken and
weary at some point in our life. It isn't so hard to believe and follow
Jesus when we are soaring on the wings of eagles or running and not
getting weary in our walk with God. Often the toughest time to keep our
faith vibrant is when we are trying to keep putting one foot in front of
the other while not fainting. In those moments of absolute
powerlessness, weakness, and brokenness the Lord is often most real,
most powerful, and most present.
My Prayer...
Thank you, God, for sustaining me and keeping my faith alive when I have been under attack from the Evil One and have grown weary with the challenges and hardships of life. Please give those I love, and mention now by name, the strength to press on even though they are weary and weak. Please be real in their lives and let them know that you are coming with grace to help and redeem as their Great Deliverer. In Jesus' name I ask it. Amen.
Today's Verse Illustrated...
Drill Sergeant Teacher by Andy Robertson
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