PAY CLOSE ATTENTION!

“SINCE ALL this is true, we ought to pay much closer

attention than ever to the truths that we have heard,

lest in any way we drift past [them] and slip away.”
Hebrews 2:1
(The Message Bible)

In today’s busy society, we have learned to do more than one thing at a time. We drive, talk on the cell phone and eat a burger – all at the same time! Of course, the number of traffic accidents have increased since the mobile phone phenomenon because we don’t pay attention. What did the world do before cellular phones? We have gotten so busy doing so many things at the same time, have we forgotten to pay close attention to what is most important?
To what does the ‘truths we have heard’ refer to? Chapter one, in fact the entire book of Hebrews, outlines the supremacy of Christ and his finished work of purging our sins before he sat down at the right hand of God. The work of Christ was perfectly complete and completely perfect. Jesus Christ is the author of the dispensation of grace and is exalted above the angels and the prophets. The ‘truths’ are the work of Christ and the words of Christ (The Gospel of Jesus Christ). His word is truth and sanctifies the believer (John 17:17). Furthermore, Jesus was given a name that is above every name (Ephesians 1:21; Philippians 2:9), but Psalm 138:2 says, “for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” Since this is true, should we not heed the instruction to “keep my commandments and live, And my teaching as the apple of your eye” (Proverbs 7:2).
The weekly teaching and preaching of the gospel and daily study of the word must not be received for information purposes only, but must be obeyed and appropriated to daily living. If the word is not exercised, or practiced, the word will run out like a leaking vessel.
The writer of Hebrews goes on to say that the words spoken by the angels were confirmed by divine authority and each transgression was met with the judgment of God. Having said that, he poses the question of how will we get away with neglecting, not obeying or not holding the preeminent words of Christ in high regard and esteem by not letting it change the heart and mind.
2 Corinthians 5:10 says, “For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in our bodies.” Since this is really true, it is only logical to pay close attention to the instructions given under the inspiration of God in the bible and through his ministers on a daily basis. Commit this week to review the lessons and messages you have heard over the past month. Have you been careful to put them into practice? Or have you let them slip from your mind and daily habit of life? Receive the word ‘with an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it and bring forth fruit with patience’ (Luke 8:15).