Date - July 16/60

Contributor - Rev J. Dykstra

Title - Drifting is Dangerous

Topic - Faith

A few weeks ago we found out how dangerous drifting really is. We had taken a sight-seeing boat for a little trip on the St. Lawrence River. After a little while, engine trouble developed and the engine stopped. A young man threw out an anchor but was not careful to hold on to the rope and the anchor and rope disappeared into the water. The boat was drifting fast for the current was very strong. Somehow the boat was not dashed against the rocky shoreline nor against the pierings of two bridges under which we passed. Finally men came with another boat and rescued us.

In the book of Hebrews there is a warning about drifting. It says: Therefore we must pay the closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it ' (2 : 1). The older version says, "lest we should let them slip". The newer translation is more accurate and perhaps more forceful. The picture is of a boat in danger of drifting away from its anchorage and safety.

The text tells us what it is from which we must not slip: that which we have heard, that which God has revealed to us, especially in the person of His Son. We should certainly not drift away from what we have heard because it is God Himself Who has spoken! 1:1 point this out, that God previously had spoken by holy men and angels but now has spoken by His Son! Even in the earlier revelation, they had Dot followed "cunningly devised fables", but now God's own Son has spoken. This is a marvelous fact! This Son is truly God and has been exalted to the highest majesty on high and therefore deserves to be heard above all. What Fe says is surely authentic. More than that, it is intensely important. It is the message of reconciliation, of God's redeeming love for a lost world. God has sent His Son into the world that we might have life through faith in His name. It is a message that invites the sinner, all sinners, to come to Him that they may have rest. It is a message that concerns the eternal destiny of my soul and yours for it says there is now therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, for we have passed from death unto life through faith in His name. This is the Truth the Truth revealed from God Himself. Let us not drift from it, for the consequences would be dire indeed. Outside of this Truth there is no life but only everlasting doom.

And yet the warning would seem to indicate that it is perhaps possible to slip from what God has said. There are tremendous undercurrents at work that seek to separate us from God and His Truth. How necessary that we are firmly anchored in Him. Some of these undercurrents are referred to by our Lord. One is the busyness of life. Life is so busy nowadays. Everyone seems to be busy either making money or spending it. Hurry, hurry, hurry. No time to think, to meditate, to talk, or even to attend church for some. Some are busy trying to earn money to live on a standard of living really too high for themselves. Some are busy with pleasure - with friends, travel, holidays, weekend trips, etc. - so busy that they neglect their souls. Jesus also speaks of the cares of this world. Financial problems, family squabbles, personal differences become so important that one forgets God. Perhaps one is disappointed that there are troubles at all in the Christian life. Perhaps he becomes rebellious. Again, familiarity with the Truth can separate us from God. The wondrous truth of the gospel has become so familiar 'that some fail to see its beauty, feel its barb or be exhilarated by its strength. Just as folks fail to see the beauty around them and must travel far away on holidays, so some have itching ears for some new doctrine. Their ears are deaf of hearing and their eyes dull of seeing the familiar truth. Lies are received instead of the Truth of scripture. 0 that our eyes were opened to the subtlety of the evil one that we should recognize him and be on our guard.

The writer goes on to ask, How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? If they received Appropriate punishment for defiance to and disobedience to the message of angels, what of us :f we would defy or disobey the words spoken by Christ Himself! God has endorsed these words with signs and miracles and the gift of the Holy Spirit. The mooring is sure and steadfast for it is the Word of God and yet some have drifted away from God. The currents were strong and the noose perhaps neglectfully made. What of those who have drifted? Has God forsaken them? No, God does not let loose of His own. They are eternally His. A true Christian is not saved today and lost tomorrow, for God has saved Him and He is God's possession and God will hold on to him. There may be some who did not have true faith who slipped from Him, but God will not let His own loose. They are bound to Him with the unbreakable cords of love. If they wander from Him, He will mightily draw them back to Himself. Even our text is a warning to those who might drift from Him and let him who thinketh He standeth take heed lest he fall. Watch out! Don't drift away from the message heard.

We can't prevent drifting in ourselves. We can't stop the undercurrents and we're no match for the strong forces at work. We have human nature to deal with too, and it is so natural for us to become neglectful, to be distracted, to fail to pay proper attention. But we have the responsibility of watching and praying lest we enter into temptation. God is mighty and with His almighty strength, He can enable us to resist the currents.

Drifting is dangerous. Watch out! Don't drift from God's Word!