Focus Scripture
Hebrews 2:1-4 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 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. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
Devotion We are all familiar with Aesop’s Fable “The Tortoise and the Hare”. The story reminds us that ‘slow and steady wins the race.’ It is a timeless lesson that we teach our children, strength and speed may, and often do, fail; but being intentional and not getting sidetracked pays off.
While we know this story, we as a society are easily distracted. I was traveling with some friends the other day. We stopped at the light, noticed a dog in the car next to us, and suddenly we were talking about how cute it was, our previous conversation, interrupted and lost. Many things serve as distractions in our daily lives. Video games, television, the latest novel by our favorite author, or even the occasional “woe is me, pity party” to name a few. I myself have even been distracted by the laundry and house cleaning when faced with a project that might require a bit of hard work or thinking.
Our passage for today, the Monday before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Season of Lent, addresses our need to not lose sight of our central focus as believers in Christ Jesus, the one who brought us salvation. This is a word that we especially need to hear not just at this time in history, but especially as we enter a season of preparation for Easter.
The Old Testament establishes for us the relationship between God and the children of Israel. The stories relay to us how God loved them, how they rebelled against God, how they were punished for their rebellion, and yet remained his chosen people. In response to this God sent His only Son to be the fulfillment of the Old Testament and to establish a new covenant with God’s people.
During the season of Lent, we are called to strengthen our commitment to God as we prepare for Christ’s Victorious defeat over sin and death. Hebrews reminds us that we should not grow weary or drift away by allowing our hearts to be hardened by sin’s deception. Lent becomes a season for us to grow in our knowledge of Christ by focusing on God’s Word through study, encouragement of others, and service to the world. To borrow from Revelation 3:15-16 we have become like the Laodicean church “lukewarm, neither cold nor hot”. It is easy to see that some of us are still “babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food” (Hebrews 5:12 NLT)
I encourage you during the coming 40 days of Lent to persevere in the faith and in your growth with God. Read your Bible, engage in a Bible Study, reach out to those around you, and increase your stamina, so that you may be aware of ‘the gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.’ (Hebrews 2:4 NIV)
Prayer O Lord, as we prepare for the days ahead, help us to strengthen our understanding and knowledge of your Word. Make our hearts long for your power and presence that comes by seeking you above all things. Comfort our troubled hearts and minds as we live daily in this world. Help our words, actions and deeds confirm that the Kingdom of God has been fulfilled in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, in whose name we pray. AMEN.
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