Hebrews 2:1-4 GREAT SALVATION
Introduction:
The book of Hebrews is trying to make us understand that Christ is above all things, all persons and all glories. Nothing else and no one can replace Jesus Christ on earth and in heavenly places. The author of the Hebrews writes the greatness of Jesus Christ comparing with many personalities and events. When he started to pen down on the great revelation of Jesus Christ, he shows how Jesus Christ was greater than Angels, greater than Moses, Greater than Joshua and Greater than the High Priests in Judaism (Hebrews 5:1-10).
The text for our meditation is taken from the book of Hebrews 2:1-4. The theme is “Great Salvation”. This passage conveys three important messages:
- to pay greater attention to what we have heard (v. 1)
- not to ignore the great Salvation of the Lord (v. 3) and
- to think of great signs and wonders of the Holy Spirit (v. 4)
The whole of Hebrews is going to prove the superiority of Christ and the importance of the New covenant.
1. First, let us meditate on the first point.
Pay Greater Attention.
Of course, it’s a warning to the Hebrew Christians and to the readers of the day. It warns us to take stock of our walk and talk, our doctrine and divinity, our conversation and conclusions on the importance Salvation we had obtained from Jesus Christ.
It is good to define salvation:
The meaning of Salvation differs from person to person. For some, it’s a rescue from risk; for some, it’s a release from stress; for some, it’s having provision during the periods of famine as we read in Genesis 45:7, Joseph declared to his brothers. During the period of Judges, as we read in Judges 15:13, ‘the victory over battles were seen as Salvation’. But now, for all of us, it’s a redemption from the grave sinful situations.
The writer’s warning is on the possibility of drifting away from the great Salvation offered to humanity through many wonders and signs.
According to Mathew Henry, ‘drifting away’ is possible for a leaky vessel to hold which is poured in it. The leaky vessel is nothing but our own mind. The drifting comes out of temptations, worldly cares and pleasures. There is a possibility for us to ‘neglect salvation’ as mentioned in Hebrews 2:3, and to ‘part away from God’ as mentioned in Hebrews 3:12-14, and to ‘fall away from the grace’ as mentioned in Hebrews 6:4-6.
Drifting can happen because of familiarity with the truth, non-appreciation of the grace and lethargic attitude towards matters related to God. Our great salvation is associated with a person. He is none other than our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
2. Let’s move on to the second point.
Not to ignore the great Salvation.
Salvation was first announced by God the Almighty, at the Garden of Eden right after the fall of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:15). Confirmed by those who heard him audibly at various seasons, times through prophets and servants of God. Finally, through the utterances of Jesus Christ. He had declared in John 10:9 that he is the “gate and door for Salvation and life”. So, the call is to pay attention to this Jesus and to the personal relationship we enjoy with him.
It is "great salvation" because it offers forgiveness of sins, the transformation of character by providing power over sin, assurance of God's fatherly presence, a clear and peaceful conscience and glorious hope of eternity. We read in Deuteronomy 32:15 ‘God is the rock of Salvation’ and it is attested by 2 Samuel 22:47 and Psalm 3:8.
Jesus was introduced by Angel Gabriel to Joseph as a Saviour who will save his people from their sins. So, Salvation is not only the relief, release, rescue of the worldly circumstances but from the eternal fire, hell and permanent separation from God. In John 3:17 Jesus expressed to Nicodemus about the Salvation of the whole world.
This Great Salvation was expressed by Prophets at many times by various ways and means as per Hebrews 1:1. The Jewish community was expecting a great saviour than Moses, Aaron, Joshua, David, Solomon. The so-called great personalities of the Bible were born, lived and died. People have heard the powerful messages of Prophets like Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Elisha and many other personalities, yet they were looking for a great leader and saviour who will live forever and ever. They were looking for an eternal saviour and a leader who will conquer all battles of life and finally death and will establish an unshakable Kingdom. Salvation is absolutely from God (Psalm 33:16-19). He established it through signs and wonders
3. Let’s move on to the third point
To think of great signs and wonders of the Holy Spirit for this great Salvation (v. 4).
This great salvation was experienced through many signs and wonders performed by God the almighty. It was testified by God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
The author puts the involvement of the Trinity in our great salvation process. The author of the Hebrews wanted to give importance to all the signs, wonders, miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit in the advancement of the Gospel. Disciples had a personal touch of the master and experienced the encouraging, strengthening and power of the words of Jesus Christ not only through the signs but even the words.
Now the believers are enabled to enjoy the blessings of this great Salvation offered to all.
The great salvation of God was experienced by Jacob after he returned from his father-in-law house on the riverbank of Jabbok as recorded in Genesis 32:22,29. Joseph experienced it when he had gone through pit and prison finally lead to the great Palace as the Prime Minister of the nation to save his own people.
The one thing the people were reminded again and again was the redemption of Israel from the bondage of Egypt with a Mighty and an outstretched hand of God as recorded in Exodus 13:3,9,14.
Passover Night is recorded in Exodus 12:12 “On the same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn – both men and animals – and I will bring judgement on all the gods of Egypt, I am the Lord”. The regulation for that day was “Not one of you shall go out the door of his house until morning” and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down (Exodus 12:22-23). That night God imposed a Curfew for people of Israel for a good purpose, to redeem them from the iron hand of the King Pharaoh.
Today, we as Indians are locked in our homes with a Jantha Curfew for the healing of the nation and the prosperity of the nation. May God help us to eradicate the Coronavirus and bring healing to all those who are affected by this and by various sicknesses, AMEN.
