“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 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? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will. … Now in putting everything in subjection to Him, He left nothing outside His control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to Him. But we see Him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.” (Hebrews 2:1-4, 8b-9 ESV)

One thing I enjoy about home-renovation TV shows is how they describe what they do. Fascinating as they are to watch, there’s really something for the viewer—if they pay attention.

Sometimes it’s an unconventional fix that solves the problem. For instance, one guy was trying to get his box spring up a tight stairwell into a bedroom. The box spring was just too large to make the turn. The solution is so simple when you think about it: fold the box spring in half! After popping out a few staples, removing the center support bar, and making a couple of saw cuts, the box spring was folded in half and carried up the stairs to the bedroom. There it was straightened back out and good to go.

Now the solution to mankind’s sin is a whole lot more serious than getting a box spring up a flight of stairs. And because of that, all the more reason for us to pay attention—close attention. The writer to the Hebrews tells us above, and in the verses that follow, that it was Jesus who earned our salvation: “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that He helps, but He helps the offspring of Abraham” (Hebrews 2:14-16 ESV).

Now to our 21st-century minds, it might seem that the best way for God to deal with our sins would be to cut some corners and overlook them. But that solution wouldn’t work. Our sins had to be dealt with. “Therefore He had to be made like His brothers in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2:17 ESV).

It wasn’t easy for God to do it this way. It cost Jesus dearly in terms of pain and suffering, but it was the only solution possible: the guilt-free for the guilty, the sinless Lamb of God for the sins of the people.

Indeed, it was an unconventional fix.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, our sins have been dealt with once and for all through the blood of Jesus. Thank You. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

This Daily Devotion was written by Paul Schreiber.
Used by permission from International Lutheran Laymen’s League, all rights reserved” on your website. 

Reflection Questions:
1. Can you give an example of a price to pay for not paying attention to something important?
2. How has mankind not paid attention to God’s signs and wonders and miracles?
3. What do you use to keep your focus on something, especially when it’s hard to do?