Hebrews 2:1-3 “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. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation….”
In the margin of the King James version of this text is a reference to the words in verse 1, “let them slip”, which is, “run out as leaking vessels”. The word of God challenges me: Am I diligent or negligent to the truths of God I have heard so many times? Have I become so familiar with them that I have let them slip and become a “leaking vessel”?
How easy it is to look at others in the Body of Christ and be saddened by the apparent lack of change over the years in others’ lives, and yet neglect my own walk with the Lord. I am not here to put others right, my only responsibility in my daily walk is to ensure that my heart is right with the Lord. The scripture quoted challenges us to be diligent: “How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation….”
Do I leak? The Holy Spirit of God will search my heart and guide me into all truth in answer to my question. When I neglect the truths I have heard so often and become negligent with them, I trample underfoot the work of Calvary and what it cost our beloved Saviour, Jesus Christ, to purchase them for me. Dear God, let me not be found negligent with your purchased treasure!….continue to work with me, Lord, for your glory.
John 21:21-22 records how the disciple, Peter, was enquiring about the lot of his fellow disciple. Jesus responded telling him to make sure that he, Peter, followed Him, that was his main responsibility. “You, follow me,” Jesus said.
There are times when a fellow brother or sister may share a problem and seek Godly counsel. As the Holy Spirit guides, we may offer something from the Lord. What the other person does with the counsel is between them and God. So often we can take on their burden and carry it and become weary. We were never meant to carry others’ burdens. Jesus is our burden bearer. He is the only One who has the ability and strength for the task. We must trust Him with others and His ability to work in their circumstances as we commit them to Him in prayer. Isaiah 30:15 “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength…”, confidence in His ability. I want to see others change, but that is God’s business, not mine.
Lord, keep me true…..Amen
