“WE MUST PAY THE MOST CAREFUL ATTENTION, therefore, to what we have heard, so that WE DO NOT DRIFT AWAY.” (Heb. 2:1) [Paying careful attention is the first way we are to show our reverence of Christ and of the gospel. It should be the great concern of every one who has submitted to the gospel to give the most serious regard to all of the gospel discoveries and directions, we should prize them very highly as matters of the greatest importance. We must make up our minds to do whatever we are instructed to do according to the gospel, we must read the word frequently and meditate on it carefully, and then apply our faith to that word. We must embrace the word in our hearts and affections, retain them it in our memories, and finally regulate our words and actions according to the word!] “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.” (Heb. 2:2-3) [Notice, the severest punishment God ever inflicted upon sinners is no more than what sin deserves: it is a just recompence of reward; punishments are as much due to sin AS REWARDS ARE TO OBEDIENCE!] “God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and BY GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT DISTRIBUTED ACCORDING TO HIS WILL.“ (Heb. 2:4) [We are empowered to be OBEDIENT TO DO the word of God by His Holy Spirit!] “But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, SO THAT BY THE GRACE OF GOD HE MIGHT TASTE DEATH FOR EVERYONE.“ (Heb. 2:9) [Because of Godβs love for us he allowed His only begotten to be crucified for us, what a sign of His amazing grace!] “In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are OF THE SAME FAMILY. SO JESUS IS NOT ASHAMED TO CALL THEM BROTHERS AND SISTERS.“ (Heb. 2:10-11)
Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that JESUS WAS MADE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS FOR A LITTLE WHILE, IS NOW CROWNED WITH GLORY AND HONOR BECAUSE HE SUFFERED DEATH, SO THAT BY THE GRACE OF GOD HE MIGHT TASTE DEATH FOR EVERYONE!Β
-Bill Stockham