11/9 Hebrews 2:1

¹ Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.

The Laws of Moses were delivered to Israel by angels (Deuteronomy 33:2; Acts 7:53). When the people of Israel chose to ignore the Law, they were justly punished. So what will happen to us if we ignore the words of the One whom the angels worship? Jesus declared the message of heaven. It was proclaimed by His disciples. God confirmed it was the truth by signs and wonders at the apostles' hands.

This is why our verse for today tells us we must pay much closer attention to this gospel we have heard. "Pay much closer attention" can also be translated "devoted." It was a word used to describe the careful attention the priest should give to service at the altar (Hebrews 7:13). The instruction is followed by a warning that if we don't do so, we may drift from it.

This expression was used for mooring boats. If a boat was not securely tied to the dock, it could drift away and be smashed on the rocks of the shore. The author is telling us that kind of destruction is analogous to a life that is casual about the words of Jesus. Devoting ourselves to His message is the difference between security and destruction. Being secure in Him is more than a one-time acknowledgment of the truth that He is the way to God. Without paying much closer attention to what we have heard, we are in danger of drifting away.

Consider: One way we can do this is by memorizing and contemplating the words of Jesus in the Gospels.