Hebrews 2 (1)

Introduction
It’s not often the case that those who fall away from faith in Jesus do so suddenly and abruptly. Usually, the process is longer, slower, and harder to recognize. More like a drift than a dive. It’s a good idea to keep this in mind. The first readers of Hebrews did not, and now they needed help in holding firm their confession.

Meditate on Psalm 8.

Read Hebrews 2.1.

Think it through.
1.  What is implied in that word drift? What does it look like when someone begins to drift from faith in Jesus? What was causing these first readers to drift from faith in Jesus (Heb. 12.3-8)? What can cause believers today to drift away from Jesus? How might you be able to tell when you were beginning to drift? The writer of Hebrews was not content for these believers to drift away. He determined to confront and counsel them, and to call them back to firm faith in Jesus. How does his example counsel us? 

2.  According to this verse, what is the antidote to drift? What are “the things we have heard”? What does it mean to “give more earnest heed” to these? How would you do this beyond what you’re already doing? How can believers help one another in this matter – to prevent drift from occurring? What can you do to help make sure you don’t begin to drift?

Meditate.
“The design of Judas concerning the betrayal of our Lord and Savior did not originate in the wickedness of his mind alone. For Scripture testifies that the ‘devil had already put it into his heart to betray him.’ On this account Solomon rightly commanded, saying, ‘Keep your heart with all diligence.’” Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD)

Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4.16

Lord, convict me when I begin to drift, and keep me focused in Your Word, so that… 

Pray Psalm 8.
As you pray, think of all the ways God reveals His glory in the world around you. Then thank the Lord that each of these reminders can keep you from drift, so that even more His glory can be known (Hab. 2.14).

Psalm 8.1-9 (Aurelia: The Church’s One Foundation)
O Savior, how majestic, Your Name in all the earth!
The heav’ns display Your glory, and tell Your wondrous worth! 
From babes and nursing infants, Lord, let Your strength increase, 
Till all Your foes surrender, and all their boasting cease. 

When I regard Your heavens, Your handiwork above, 
Ordained by Your good pleasure, according to Your love, 
Then what am I, O Savior, that You take thought of me? 
Or I should know Your favor and thus delivered be? 

Yet we in Your own image with glory have been crowned, 
To worship and to serve You throughout creation ‘round. 
These works that sing Your glory in our poor hands are placed, 
That we may rule before You to magnify Your grace. 

Let every beast and creature, in sky or sea or field, 
In our hands bring You glory as we Your favor wield. 
Let all things sing Your praises, let all declare Your worth! 
O Savior, how majestic, Your Name in all the earth!