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"Therefore we must give the more earnest heed..."

Text: Hebrews 2:1a

CONCERN ABOUT HOW WE HEED GOD

The author expressed a very keen sense of concern about how people gave heed to God and His word. This concern is understandable if we were to trace briefly the history of Israel.

1. The historical-didactic Psalm 106

This psalm described how Israel failed to give heed to the Lord! Five things highlighted would suffice to prove a solemn truth- Israel did not give heed to God and His word.

a) There was no depth of understanding of God’s wonders in Egypt (Cf. Psalm 106:7a).

b) There was no remembrance of God’s mercies (Cf. Psalm 106:7b).

c) Instead there was rebellion (Cf. Psalm 106:7c).

d) God’s works were easily forgotten (Cf. Psalm 106:13a).

e) There was no waiting upon the Lord for His counsel (Cf. Psalm 106:13b).

2. In the days of Jesus

The author was familiar with the life and ministry of Jesus. The following text from Matthew’s Gospel would illustrate how people heeded Jesus’ teaching.

“And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:
‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,
And seeing you will see and not perceive;
For the hearts of this people have grown dull
Their ears are hard of hearing,
And their eyes they have closed.'”

Matthew 13:14-15

CHALLENGE TO GIVE APPROPRIATE HEED

The author of Hebrews was deeply moved to write the following word of challenge.

“Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to
the things we have heard, lest we drift away.”

Hebrews 2:1

1. The responsibility of giving heed is ours.

2. The challenge is to “give the more earnest heed”.

3. The word “therefore” ties this challenge to what has been revealed about Jesus (Hebrews 1). The greatness of Jesus compels us to give heed to what He taught!