Pay Attention: Hebrews 2:1-4
“1) For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. 2) For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, 3) how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, 4) God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.” Hebrews 2:1-4
In these four verses, the writer of the book of Hebrews drives home a final point about angelic activity. A brief survey of the Old Testament highlights much angelic activity that accompanied Gods work. From the building of the ark and the flood, to the Tower of Babel and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, angelic activity was abundant. Even to the Exodus and the giving of the Law, the Old Testament abounded with the angelic activity. Every word proved unalterable. Every neglected warning was met with judgement.
By contrast, the announcing of the birth of Jesus and His entire public ministry was accompanied by unparalleled angelic activity. Gabriel was very busy talking to Mary, Joseph and most likely the shepherds. During his days of fasting in the wilderness, angels came and ministered to Jesus. The Gospel story was punctuated with angelic intervention. God wants people to wake up and pay attention to His Word.
The writers proposition is now clear, if God so worked in the Old Testament that every warning was backed up with swift action, how shall we escape if we shun the Gospel? The writer was saying, “Wake up and pay attention to what God is dong!” If you miss the Gospel its because of your own willful neglect and disobedience. The whole ministry of Jesus was played out on the public stage of history.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
