**Sip Saturday is written by our Saturday morning contributor, M.H. Elrich - A beautifully gifted Christian author who seeks to honor the Trinity in her writing. She hopes that her words will encourage women to draw closer to God, whether that is through her fantasy series or her weekly devotionals.
Cornerstone Scripture:
"For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?"
-Hebrews 2:2-3A
I looked both ways. The treehouse under my feet creaked with the pressure as I knelt and carefully lifted my cousin's GI Joe figurine. He and my brother were nowhere to be found. I went to the edge of the treehouse and released the figurine. It crumpled on the ground, its arm twisted and leg bent in an unnatural way. I snickered childishly.
To this day, I don't know why I did it.
The only thing I can say is that I was young and foolish, and I wanted to see what would happen when I did something wrong without anyone looking. My uncle eventually found out, and punished me with twenty push-ups. He was a military man, so that was how he disciplined his children. I cried and begged my mom to go home. I didn't tell her the truth, but I learned—actions have consequences.
I think most people would agree that they want justice to be done. Whether it is a murder to be locked up, or a rapist to be stopped from hurting others, most decent human beings want evil to be punished. That's why it shouldn't be alarming that God wants that, too, and that's what he means when he says they receive just retribution.
However, he is also talking about how important it is to not only be listeners of the word, but doers as well (James 1:22). God's Word is holy, immutable, and true. It's not something to be taken lightly, and God wants people to know that. This is why he says he doesn't want anyone to neglect it, letting it collect dust on a bookshelf.
Another importance He is trying to emphasize is the necessity of sharing the gospel. By keeping our salvation to ourselves, we are essentially neglecting it. God's light is a beacon that should be shared, not something to be hidden (Matthew 5:15).
God is a gracious god. He will offer us mercy for all the wrongs we have done, even if we deserve to be tried for our wrong actions. After throwing my cousin's toy to the ground, I asked for his and my uncle's forgiveness. I recognized that I was wrong, and I even told my mother the truth, even if it was years later. So, if you have neglected God's Word or hidden his salvation from others, do not be dismayed. Come to Jesus and ask for his forgiveness, and He will offer it freely—just like the angels told the shepherds.
Let's pray.
Dear Lord, please help me to recognize when I've messed up and come to you for forgiveness. Help me to be strong and courageous, not hiding your Word or your salvation. Please be with me. In your Son's name I pray, Amen.
So beautiful. Thank you.
A good reminder for us all.