Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. (Heb 2:1)"Therefore," he says. Why? Because God has spoken to us through His Son (Heb 1:1-2). Because His Son is His representation (Heb 1:3). Because He's better than the angels, and the Scriptures clearly tell us so (Heb 1:5-14). Therefore, pay attention. Pay attention to what? Pay attention to what God is saying. Pay attention to what He is saying in His Word. Pay attention to what He has said through His Son.
That "pay closer attention" is an interesting phrase in the original. It is basically two words: prosechō, and perissōs. The primary word is prosechō. It means "to hold," "to apply yourself to," "to adhere to." It suggests firm action -- hang on tight. So the word itself means to pay attention. It is intensified by perissōs. That word is not just "abundantly," but "superabundantly." The translation above uses "closer," but the image of "hang on tight" is simply intensified with something like "a whole lot." "Pay closer attention."
Why? What's the big deal? What is the aim? There is a danger at hand. If we do not cling tightly -- with great attention -- to God's Word, we risk drifting. Now, on the face of it, that doesn't sound so bad, does it? Kind of relaxing. Easy. Restful. But drifting from the truth of God's Word, while it is certainly easy, is not safe. It is dangerous. The author of Hebrews warns that if we start from the truth and then drift, "How will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?" (Heb 2:3).
How about you? Are you paying attention? Drifting isn't hard work; it's the easiest thing we can do. Go with the flow. Don't fight the current. Don't "be on the wrong side of history." Drifting is normal. Look at the drift from truth in churches, in government, in education. It's easy, so you probably would hardly notice if you did drift. And the outcome is dangerous, perhaps even fatal. "It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Heb 10:31). We ought to avoid sitting in a boat without an anchor when we have a firm anchor available. And, count on it. Go with the flow of culture, and you'll end up in dangerous waters.
3 comments:
This should be the argument against the Catholic Church that decries personal study of Scripture. We need to closely study His Word so that we don't allow others to push us along in the wrong direction, like certain current popes pushing the RCC into the path of accepting gay mirage.
You are right, Stan--lounging in a boat on peaceful waters sounds very relaxing; but I know that drifting oftentimes happens in a subtle, indiscernible manner. I like this reminder that my “boat” needs an anchor to keep me from drifting into dangerous waters--and, once again, that I need to focus on “True North” to retain my bearings.
I concur, David. Keeping with a nautical theme: Over the many centuries that the RCC has been steering a large segment of “Christendom,” there certainly has been some serious drifting going on. (And to me, “same-sex blessings” is far from the worst thing a pope has ever advocated!) As you say, personal familiarity with the Bible and its proper teachings should keep us all on-course and enjoying continued smooth sailing with the Lord at the helm. (OK, I will stop with the nautical terms now--but I really could go on & on! :)
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