“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip” (Heb. 2:1).  This exhortation calls for all, including the writer of the book of Hebrews, to give the more earnest heed to what has been heard.  That message which was heard was the word of God (cf. Heb. 2:2-3).  The book of Hebrews is a great book to encourage all to remember the special details that God has given through His word.  Consider three from this special book.

1. A Great High Priest. “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:14-16).  Access to that great throne of grace is through the priesthood of the Son of God.  Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father” (Eph. 2:16-18).  Paul wrote to the Roman brethren, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Rom. 5:1-2).  The sacrifice of the body of Christ and the service given as the great high priest in the heavens are things that the child of God can claim for strength and optimism.
2. A Great Hope Promised. “Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil” (Heb. 6:17-19).  The oath and impeccable truth of God to His word gives the anchor of the soul for the future.  Life that is lived without hope is the saddest of all existences.  God did not intend for His children to have such a dismal view of life.  The promise made to Abraham has been fulfilled in Christ and is for all who submit to the will of the Father.  Christ has made open the living way to heaven through redemption from sin and the resurrection of the death of His Son (cf. Heb. 10:7-23).
3. A Great Heavenly Provision. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Heb. 13:5-6).  The abiding presence of God caring for His people is a sustainer of the heart and life.  The eyes of the Lord, while invisible to man, are upon mankind (cf. Heb. 4:13) and His ear is open to the prayer of the righteous (cf. 1 Peter 3:12).  Seeking first things first brings a sufficiency in the provisions of God (cf. Matt. 6:33).

Jimmy Clark