Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven! (New Living Translation).

In spite of the contrasts drawn between the Old and New Covenants, and the privileges of belonging to the New, we must not think we can rest on our laurels. We are called to obedience, and it remains a serious thing to dig our heels in, insist on our own way, and ”refuse” God.

“We must allow the Word of God to confront us, to disturb our security, to undermine our complacency and to overthrow our patterns of thought and behaviour.” John Stott.

It has been pointed out that this brings us back full circle, to 2:1-4, and indicates that the writer is completing his argument and starting to pull together the various threads.

What was the last thing God showed you to do? Don’t neglect to act!