God has spoken by his Son. His Son who is

Creator
Eternal
Sitting at God’s right hand

His Son who is God. This is an amazing truth. In chapter 2, we see the implications of this truth. The writer starts this chapter with one of my favorite words in scripture: “therefore”. The word “therefore” always heightens my expectation. It is a word that connects the why to the how, the heart to the hands, the indicative to the imperative. And here’s what the writer tells us, “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” It is a reliable message; it’s a message none of us can afford to neglect. Seems simple, doesn’t it? But I, for one, am easily distracted.

So what have I been paying close attention to? Lately, it’s been Facebook, negative bloggers, and others who’ve been tearing apart my church and trying to bring down my pastor. Their messages have made me ashamed. I’ve found myself not wanting to mention the name of my church and hoping that people will stop asking me questions.

But then I realized I’ve paid close attention to the wrong messages—to the messages that say,

“Your church should meet all your expectations.”
“Your pastor should be the perfect example of Christian living.”
“You shouldn’t have to put up with the failings of your church.”
“There are other churches out there doing it better.”
“You don’t want the church you attend to tarnish your reputation.”
“It would be easier and less messy if you just left.”

Those are not the messages the writer of Hebrews is urging me to pay much closer attention to. I need to pay attention to the message I have heard—the message about Jesus, and so the writer puts Jesus before me again.

…he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. Hebrews 2:8-9

What comfort, what conviction!

• Nothing is outside Jesus’ control, even if it doesn’t look that way right now. He is not surprised by any of my circumstances.
• In the midst of whatever I’m going through, I see Jesus—who also suffered, but who was crowned with glory. And God has this in mind for his people as well (James 1:12).
• Jesus tasted death for everyone. When I feel angry toward those causing so much hurt, especially those who claim to be brothers and sisters, or when I start feeling ashamed of my church or my pastor, this is the great equalizer. We are all sinful; He tasted death for us all.

It is Him I stake my hope, my life, and my reputation on. That is the message I must pay much closer attention to.

 Your Turn

• What messages are you paying close attention to? How might those messages be incorrectly shaping your view of God, Jesus, yourself, and others?
• Have you ever considered that nothing is outside God’s control? How does this change your perspective?