MAKE SURE

To Make Sure of something often means to double check the figures, the instruments, the fuel, the budget and many other ‘make sures.’ It reminds me of the text in Hebrews 12:15: “Make sure that no one misses out on God’s grace. Make sure that no root of bitterness grows up that might cause trouble and pollute many people” (Hebrews 12:15). This is similar to an earlier instruction from Moses: “Make sure there isn’t any root among you that is sprouting poison and bitterness” (Deuteronomy 29:18).

To Make Sure that ‘no one misses out on God’s grace’ is then contrasted with Moses and the Law on Mt. Sinai and “Jesus the mediator of a new covenant” on Mt. Zion (Hebrews15:18-24). This results in the trouble mentioned in 12:15, “bitterness grows” when some “immoral or godless person” comes in among the flock (12:16). The Law is explained in verses 18-21 and simply ends by quoting Moses, “I am full of fear and trembling.” (12:21) That’s the opposite of God’s grace.

To Make Sure… is concerned with this: “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!” (12:25)

It is wise to Make Sure of this: to listen to the One who speaks from heaven… Jesus.

“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.” Jesus