See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?
Hebrews 12:25 NIV
God speaks to us through His Word, the Bible. He warns us about the consequences of sin and disobedience. He also offers us salvation and forgiveness through His Son, Jesus Christ. Therefore, we should pay careful attention to what He says and obey Him. In the Old Testament, God spoke to His people through Moses and the prophets. He gave them the Law and the covenant. He also performed many miracles and signs to show His power and love. However, many refused to listen and obey. They rebelled against Him and worshipped idols. As a result, they faced God’s anger and punishment. Some of them died in the wilderness, some of them were killed by their enemies, and some of them were exiled from their land.
While a man may not be completely removed from God’s presence as the judgement for his sin, yet that does not mean that he is exonerated for his disobedience. Moses and Aaron for instance, they disobeyed God in Numbers 20. Although they were not destroyed like Nadab and Abihu, neither were they consumed like Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, yet they were not exempted from punishment. As a result of their action, God denied them the privilege of entering the promised land. So, as there was punishment for disobeying God’s instruction in the Old Testament, there is also in the New Testament.
In the New Testament, God speaks to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the Word of God who became flesh and dwelt among us. He is the perfect revelation of God’s character and will. Jesus is the final and ultimate prophet, priest, and king. Likewise, He is the fulfilment of the Law and the prophets, the mediator of the new covenant. He is the Saviour of the world who died for our sins and rose again. He is the Lord of lords and King of kings who will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Therefore, we should respond to God’s Word in Jesus Christ with utmost care. The writer of Hebrews tells us:
We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.
Hebrews 2:1-3 NIV
For anyone who refused to obey the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to us.
Hebrews 10:28-29 NLT
These verses show us the seriousness of disobedience to God’s Word. God is holy and righteous; He does not tolerate sin and rebellion. He will judge everyone according to their deeds. He will reward those who obey Him and punish those who reject Him. No one can escape His wrath if they turn away from Him.
Therefore, we must not take God’s Word lightly. We should not ignore it or neglect it. We should not twist it or distort it, trample it or despise it. Likewise, we should not compromise it or deny it. We should not be disobedience; resist it or oppose it. Furthermore, we should not harden our hearts or close our ears. We should not mock it or ridicule it.
Instead, we should love God’s Word. We should read it, study it, meditate on it and memorize it. We should believe it and obey it; we should apply it and live by it. Also, we should share it and proclaim it. We should treasure it and delight in it.
God’s Word is powerful and precious. It is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. It is a sword of the Spirit and a shield of faith. God’s word is also a seed of life and a honey of sweetness, a mirror of truth and a fire of purity. It is a hammer of conviction and a balm of healing. It is also a voice of wisdom and a song of joy.
Therefore, let us listen to God’s Word and do what it says. Let us not refuse Him who speaks; let us not turn away from Him who warns us. Let us not ignore His great salvation. Also, let us not insult His Spirit’s grace. Let us not risk His severe punishment. Instead, let us fear God and keep His commandments. Let us trust Him and follow His guidance. Let us love Him, serve Him, and glorify Him.
This is the conclusion of the matter: God has spoken to us in His Word. This Word is the source of life and wisdom. It is the foundation of our faith and hope. Therefore, let us listen and obey, lest we bring ourselves under God’s judgement because of disobedience.
