Hebrews 2:1-4 | What's a lesson for the original audience?

It is a deeply found instruction to take heed according to the Word of God. Doing so serves as protection for the believer. It also serves to bless them in cleansing their way of all the sinful junk that would be before them. The life of a believer is a relatively simple one. It is not complex and ever demanding as sin is. It is an invitation. However, if that invitation is rejected, there are consequences.

It is written to these Jewish believers that they must give the more earnest heed to the things they have heard. Just like it is the case for us today, there were a lot of voices speaking into their lives that they would be heeding. There is the voice of fear. What if they don't renounce Jesus? It may cost them their families, their friends, their jobs, even their lives. There is the voice of pride. They do not want to be shamed by the culture and want to stand above the accusations. There is the voice of their friends and families. They may turn in those who proclaim Jesus. There is the voice of the government that tells them their religion is illegal and it warrants death. There is the voice of their former faith. These are those who formerly were authoritative voices in their lives and gave wise counsel. So many voices more speak into the lives of those who would commit their lives to Jesus. And then there is the voice of the Son.

The question becomes, "What voice will you heed?" The writer of Hebrews insists giving the more earnest heed to the voice of the Son who has spoken to them in these latter times. Undoubtedly, there is a long history of Israel failing to heed the voices of the prophets and the angels. It cost Israel dearly. But now, how shall they escape if they fail to heed the voice of the Son? The challenge is one that still rings true today. I am reminded of the words of Jim Elliot.

"He is no fool who loses what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

All of those other voices promise empty promises. Their families will pass, as will their friends. They themselves will still die. Their pride lasts only a lifetime. The governments will rise and fall. They departed from their former beliefs for something greater. What voice can compete with the voice of God? Surely not one. No matter how we look at it, it is eternity versus that which is temporary. So the more earnest heed must be given to the voice of the Son.

What lesson are you seeing for the original audience?