“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 violation and act of disobedience received a just punishment, ³ how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard,” Heb.2:1-3 NASB 

Footsteps #420. When Beethoven was five years old, he played the violin under the tutelage of his father. By the time he was 13 years old, he was a concert organist. In his 20s, he studied under renowned musicians, such as Haydn and Mozart. As Beethoven developed his skills, he became a prolific composer. His enthusiasm for music brought to fruition several majestic symphonies, a handful of concertos for piano,(#21 is my absolute favourite piece of classical music) and numerous pieces of chamber music. His love for music propelled him further and further into his musical achievements. However, Beethoven was no stranger to difficulties. While still in his 20s, he began losing his hearing. When he reached his 50s, Beethoven was completely deaf. Just imagine what that meant for him as a musician! Put yourself in the place of the audience of Hebrews. At the height of your Christian enthusiasm, unexpected disaster strikes. How would you, then, respond to the sermon in Hebrews?  

Think back over your spiritual life cycle. Analyse where you are in your journey with God compared to the audience of Hebrews. Would you be willing to suffer to the extent that you joyfully would accept the plundering of your possessions? (10:34). Christ observed that the church in Ephesus had lost their first love (Rev. 2:4).  A similar observation might be made of the audience of Hebrews, whose spiritual ardour waned as their suffering intensified and grew.  What are the consequences of such a loss?  The final and decisive address of God to humanity comes through Jesus, the Son, “in these last days” (Heb. 1:1, 2). These “last days” begin with Christ’s incarnation and will end with His second coming when His enemies will be made a “footstool” for His feet (Heb. 1:13).  God not only spoke through Jesus’ words “in these last days” but also through His actions, especially His death, resurrection, and exaltation.  That is why both the audience of Hebrews and we “must pay greater attention to what we have heard so that we do not drift away from it”. “These last days,” is not the same as “the time of the end,” which is the last act in the whole drama of the ages. 

The nautical metaphor in Hebrews 2:1 of “drifting away” conveys the idea of a boat slipping away as with the tide. We need to beware as Christians that we don’t ‘slip’ from the harbour of salvation. The word ‘slip’ can also refer to a ring slipping from one’s finger. The whole idea portrays the possible gradual loss that occurs unbeknown.  

V3 introduces a second term ‘neglect’ which signifies a disregard or lack of concern, i.e. taking Christianity for granted (as well as the things of Christianity.) If you read chapters 3 & 4 you will see the word ‘harden’ surface. This is a similar message to 2:1-4, that of a gradual loss of spiritual powers; a decline of religious fervour that goes beyond neglect. From 3:16 – 4:11, the apostle talks about the slow, secretly working, insidious and treacherous corrupting of the heart that leads to disobedience and rebellion.