The Danger of Drifting Hebrews 2:1-4
In light of the author’s argument in proving the superiority of Jesus Christ to the Prophets (Hebrews 1:1-3) and Angels (1:4-14), we come now to the author’s first of six warning passages (Hebrews 2:1-4; 3:7-4:2; 5:11-14; 6:1-20; 10:26-39; 12:15-29). This first warning passage in Hebrews 2:1-4 is indeed a very solemn warning. In view of the author’s presentation of the superiority of Christ, over both the Prophets and Angels, it was urgently important that his largely Jewish audience maintain their allegiance to the gospel message. He is warning his Jewish readership to not drift back into Judaism because Jesus Christ is superior to anything that Judaism had to offer.
The author had proven that Jesus Christ is superior to Prophets because He is God’s final revelation to man (Hebrews 1:1-3), and that He is superior to the Angels because He is God’s Son who will inherit the kingdom and Angels were messengers, who worshipped the Son (Hebrews 1:4-14). These truths that had been presented should be earnestly (sincerely) heeded to. In other words, his Jewish audience needed to strictly heed to the presentation given lest these truths should drift away (v.1)! The word drift means to be carried along by currents of air and water; carry along. As a church, we can slowly drift into error when we allow long-ingrained habits of thought, false teachers, our sinful flesh, and demonic forces to pull us away from simple faith in Christ (II Corinthians 11:3).
The Jewish audience of whom the author was addressing were guilty of being spiritually dull and sluggish (Hebrews 5:11-12); thus, they were in danger of drifting away from what they had heard! The author is giving them a solemn warning to remain steadfast to the spiritual realities they have in Christ! In relation to us as a church, we need to hold firmly to the truth that we have been taught. Those of us who have heard the great truths of Jesus Christ have a tremendous responsibility. We have an awesome responsibility today because we have the complete word; in relation to the saints of other dispensations, who had only partial revelation. There is a tremendous danger today of us knowing more and doing less! The danger for us may not be openly rejecting the word, but one of having good intentions that are never carried out because of a lack of trust in God.
In verses 2-4, the author argued firmly that if God judged disobedience to the Old Testament law, which came through the ministration of Angels, how much greater will be the judgment on those who reject the salvation that comes through Jesus Christ. God confirmed His word through signs, miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit. In a world filled with so much turmoil, confusion and uncertainty, we need to heed to and direct our lives by the words of Jesus Christ who never changes, for Hebrews 13:8 says: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.”
Yes, even in a world filled with trials, tribulation and distress, we can find rest and confident assurance in the words of Jesus – “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Yes, there might be one who needs to be directed to the One who saves; and if that is so, listen to the words of Jesus who said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me” (John 14:6).
Yes, this same Jesus who is superior to the Prophets, and superior to the Angels, died for our sins according to the scriptures, was buried, and rose triumphantly for our justification. Our sins are covered by the blood of Jesus! The hymn writer penned these words:
I hear the Savior say,
Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
May God Bless!
