Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. (Hebrews 2:1 ESV)
With these opening words from Hebrews 1, we find the first of five admonitions in this letter. This strong warning alerts us to not neglect our salvation, and thereby protect ourselves from drifting away from biblical truth.
As you consider your own walk of faith, reflect upon how easy it is to drift spiritually. Isn’t it easy to become distracted, complacent, or comfortable? When we do, significant problems arise in our lives. The devil is all too ready to influence us to neglect God’s Word, prayer and corporate worship. However, as we read in this chapter, the war of the ages was fought and won at the cross, and we stand on the side of the Victor, Jesus Christ who,
…himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. (Hebrews 2:14b-15 ESV)
This chapter helps us to realize how great a salvation we have. This salvation was purchased through the incarnation and death of Jesus at a great cost and provides great blessings and promises. Here we understand that what was given to humanity at creation and subsequently lost in the fall, was restored at the cross, and will be fully realized in glory. Next to the Gospel accounts, Hebrews speaks of the humanity of Jesus more than any other New Testament letter.
In verses 6-9 the writer here quotes Psalm 8:4-6, speaking of the exalted role given to humanity. To Adam and Eve was given the creation mandate, reflecting God’s image as they ruled over creation as God intended and commanded (Genesis 1:26-28). That however, was not fulfilled in Adam, for rather than ruling over creation we were ruined by sin. However, thanks be to God, Jesus shared in our humanity and restored what was destroyed and lost.
The great cost paid was Jesus coming to earth in the incarnation. He was made like us in every way, except he was without sin. The Word became flesh (John 1:14), shared our humanity, tasted death for us, and is now crowned with glory and honour at the Father’s right hand.
One troubling verse in this passage is this,
For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. (Hebrews 2:10 ESV)
What does this mean that Jesus was made perfect through suffering? Was he not perfect? Was he sinful and then was made sinless? Commentators understand this to mean, not that Jesus was sinful but that rather, in his suffering Jesus demonstrated obedience to God’s will, and to the cross, and thus through suffering, fully identifies with humanity and thus fully qualifies as our representative and substitute. Through his work of atonement, Jesus reversed the effects of the fall, defeated the devil and gives life and freedom to a world enslaved and without hope.
As brothers and sisters of the Lord, as children of God, as offspring of Abraham, we have this assurance that Jesus has been where we are. He has suffered (like we will never understand). He has been tempted and therefore can help us, coming to our aid as a faithful, merciful High Priest. This is our great salvation; let us not neglect it or the One who gives it.
Prayer
Father, we praise You for so great a salvation purchased at so great a cost. Hallelujah, what a Saviour is Christ our Lord. Man of sorrows, thank You for all You have done for us.
Prone to wander, Lord, we feel it. O conqueror of Evil, lead us not into temptation and deliver us from the snares of the evil one. You have walked this road and You can help us. Do help us Lord, we are weak but You are mighty. O come to our aid and help us to live to Your praise. Amen.
Hebrews 2
Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. (Hebrews 2:1 ESV)
With these opening words from Hebrews 1, we find the first of five admonitions in this letter. This strong warning alerts us to not neglect our salvation, and thereby protect ourselves from drifting away from biblical truth.
As you consider your own walk of faith, reflect upon how easy it is to drift spiritually. Isn’t it easy to become distracted, complacent, or comfortable? When we do, significant problems arise in our lives. The devil is all too ready to influence us to neglect God’s Word, prayer and corporate worship. However, as we read in this chapter, the war of the ages was fought and won at the cross, and we stand on the side of the Victor, Jesus Christ who,
…himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. (Hebrews 2:14b-15 ESV)
This chapter helps us to realize how great a salvation we have. This salvation was purchased through the incarnation and death of Jesus at a great cost and provides great blessings and promises. Here we understand that what was given to humanity at creation and subsequently lost in the fall, was restored at the cross, and will be fully realized in glory. Next to the Gospel accounts, Hebrews speaks of the humanity of Jesus more than any other New Testament letter.
In verses 6-9 the writer here quotes Psalm 8:4-6, speaking of the exalted role given to humanity. To Adam and Eve was given the creation mandate, reflecting God’s image as they ruled over creation as God intended and commanded (Genesis 1:26-28). That however, was not fulfilled in Adam, for rather than ruling over creation we were ruined by sin. However, thanks be to God, Jesus shared in our humanity and restored what was destroyed and lost.
The great cost paid was Jesus coming to earth in the incarnation. He was made like us in every way, except he was without sin. The Word became flesh (John 1:14), shared our humanity, tasted death for us, and is now crowned with glory and honour at the Father’s right hand.
One troubling verse in this passage is this,
For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. (Hebrews 2:10 ESV)
What does this mean that Jesus was made perfect through suffering? Was he not perfect? Was he sinful and then was made sinless? Commentators understand this to mean, not that Jesus was sinful but that rather, in his suffering Jesus demonstrated obedience to God’s will, and to the cross, and thus through suffering, fully identifies with humanity and thus fully qualifies as our representative and substitute. Through his work of atonement, Jesus reversed the effects of the fall, defeated the devil and gives life and freedom to a world enslaved and without hope.
As brothers and sisters of the Lord, as children of God, as offspring of Abraham, we have this assurance that Jesus has been where we are. He has suffered (like we will never understand). He has been tempted and therefore can help us, coming to our aid as a faithful, merciful High Priest. This is our great salvation; let us not neglect it or the One who gives it.
Prayer
Father, we praise You for so great a salvation purchased at so great a cost. Hallelujah, what a Saviour is Christ our Lord. Man of sorrows, thank You for all You have done for us.
Prone to wander, Lord, we feel it. O conqueror of Evil, lead us not into temptation and deliver us from the snares of the evil one. You have walked this road and You can help us. Do help us Lord, we are weak but You are mighty. O come to our aid and help us to live to Your praise. Amen.
Lead Pastor Jody Cross