Hebrews 2:1-4
This section continues the author's train of thought regarding the supremacy of Christ particularly as compared to the angels. However, here we have his application. If Christ is superior to the angels, then the message we have from Christ is superior to the message received from the angels. The message received from the angels refers to the Law. The author's argument is: if disobeying the message received from angels resulted in punishment, how much greater will the punishment be if we disobey the message of Christ.
There is an interesting parallel between 2:4 and 1:1-2. God spoke in various ways at various times through the prophets but has now spoken to us by his Son. The message of his Son is verified by God as seen by various miracles. It almost comes full circle: the various ways in the past culminate in the single voice of Christ which is confirmed to the world in various ways. All of it points to Christ. He is the fulcrum upon which everything rests.
Again, this reminds me of the supremacy of Christ. My life would not be wasted if it was all about Jesus all the time. My life would not be wasted if I looked for every opportunity to speak and live the gospel in some way and if that became the whole focus of my life. This passage serves as a triple warning for me: 1) I must make sure that I submit to the message of Christ in my life. His message is that it is not by works but only through grace that I am saved. When I live in a way that attempts to earn God's favour or to make God owe me something I am violating the message of Christ and I do so at my peril! 2) I must make sure that as many people as possible have the opportunity to hear the message of Christ so that they can submit to it. I must make sure that the message that I am proclaiming and living is the true message of Christ. The author makes it clear: escaping punishment is impossible if the message of Christ is not accepted. This must motivate me to action! 3) Everything is about Christ. I must make sure that my own life is centred around and built upon Jesus. I must make sure that my words and actions point people to Jesus. I long to be part of the long tradition of those who point others to Christ.
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How often we try and earn our salvation. God's grace cannot be earned and that is a good thing, because we would never be able to attain it. How thankful I am for the message of Christ, and that everything we do needs to be about Christ and through Christ.
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