“See that you refuse not Him that speaks—for if they escaped not who refused him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him that speaks from Heaven.”
Hebrews 12:25
He’s not a vindictive God; but He is a Righteous, Holy and Just One.
Pluralism. Accommodation. Toleration. Compromise.
Those are the politically-acceptable terms used today. And, those who embrace them will readily disregard, disavow and denounce today’s Manna, for it seems to them too narrow-minded and exclusive.
But, we, who are “Pilgrims of the Cross,” cannot waver in our journey or “Ministry of Reconciliation” (II Cor. 5:17-21)—for the stakes are too great and the consequences of ignoring our Manna’s warning are eternal.
Our anonymous author draws a parallel between “refusing him that spoke on earth” (Moses) and “Him that speaks from Heaven” (Jesus/God). Just as there was no “escaping” the “curse of the Law” (Dt. 27:26; Gal. 3:10) and the “wages of sin” (Rom. 6:23a) even through religious rituals, benevolent deeds, etc., so will there be no escaping for those “who neglect so great a Salvation” (Heb. 2:3).
In Moses’ day, God’s Voice “shook the earth” (v.26a), causing Mt. Sinai to rumble with earthquakes (Ex. 19:15-18; 20:18-21). But, the time is coming when His Voice will shake “both heaven and earth” (v.26b). Even now, through recent earthquakes, the earth has even shifted slightly on her axis; could not these be small precursors to that which is still to come?
Yes, in the last day there’ll be a “shaking to the foundations.” Everything which we hold dear and to which we cling will either be shaken or taken from us. Why is that? So “those things which cannot be shaken may remain” (v.27).
Therefore, do not fear when such happens; neither become disillusioned—for who wants to live under an illusion? The Lord God is wanting us to see Him and His eternal Reality, which is “a Kingdom which cannot be moved” (v.28a). Hallelujah!!
That’s why we should live in “Grace so we can serve God acceptably with reverence and Godly fear” (v.28b). We know “our God is a consuming fire” (v.29) and, as the old Gospel song says, “His Truth is marching on.” Truly, the days are too late and the lost souls are too many for us to be “wasting our time in riotous living” (Lk. 15:13) like those in Noah’s day, who continued “partying hardy and ‘business as usual’ until the Flood came and the door of the ark was closed” (Mt. 24:36-39).
Do not fear what’s happening around you, Pilgrim; neither grow discouraged when others refuse to hear your wooing and warning. Noah preached 120 years without a single convert, but still remained faithful. So, should we. Plead with others. Point them to Christ. And, tell them there’s “No escape if they refuse Him”—for then it’ll be “too little, too late.”
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