“We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away…This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.” (Hebrews 2:1 & 3b NIV)

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As a retired elementary school teacher, I have lots of stories about following directions and paying attention. It doesn’t come naturally. One of my favorites happened just 3 years ago, during my last year of teaching full time. I had just finished teaching a math lesson and invited any student up who wanted to work out a problem on the board. I thoroughly explained what I was looking for and chose a very eager (hand raised) and bright student to come up front. He excitedly grabbed a marker and took his place in front of the whiteboard. He then looked right at me and said, “Okay, what are we doing?”  

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It’s not just children; we all know adults who struggle in this area, too. We often listen to reply and not really to hear what the other person is saying. My husband and I have been married for 35 years, so you would think that we have this listening thing down and pay careful attention to each other. Not so – we are still a work in progress.

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God has much to say to us in His Word about listening and paying attention. Exodus 15:26 says, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commands and keep all His decrees, I will not bring upon you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.” Proverbs 4 is a great read about following the Father’s instruction, as well. Proverbs 7:24 says, “Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say.” Isaiah 28:23 says, “Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear what I say.” Nehemiah 9:34 and 35 tell what happens when we don’t pay attention to the words of the Lord.  

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Hebrews 2 is all about Jesus’ humanity and how He relates to the human condition/struggle. The reason we need to pay careful attention is so that we do not drift away. Drift away from what? What is right? God’s best? His plan for us? No one wants or plans to drift. The word itself means slow and subtle. Today’s verse reminds us that this salvation was confirmed to us by those who heard Him. Have we heard His words? Are we listening? Really listening?

Dear Lord, help us to be intentional in everything we do so that we do not drift away. May our feet be firmly planted right where You want them. Make us aware of the subtle slip. I pray that we would listen intently to those around us and especially to what You are saying to us through Your Word. May we do what You are asking us to do and be a blessing wherever we go. Amen.