“IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE” – A REFLECTION ON HEBREWS 3:1–11 BY EVANS O. GIBSON ®™√ INN Nigeria ©

In the intricate tapestry of the Epistle to the Hebrews, the author intricately weaves a narrative comparing Moses, the revered patriarch, to Jesus, the ultimate messenger of God. Drawing inspiration from Hebrews 3:1–11, the message resonates with timeless significance.

The biblical passage underscores the exalted position of Moses among the recipients of the letter. Philo of Alexandria’s recognition of Moses as a prophet, priest, king, and legislator sets the stage for understanding the esteemed status Moses held in the eyes of the audience.

Hebrews 3:8 serves as a poignant reminder: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” It is an invitation to heed the divine call, a call echoed throughout the scriptures and now directed towards the readers. The author invokes Moses not to diminish Jesus’ status but to establish the latter as an authorized messenger of God—a divine apostle.

A crucial distinction emerges in verse 3, portraying Jesus not merely as a servant but as the “builder” and the Son of God, elevating His status beyond that of Moses. While Moses faithfully conveyed God’s message, Jesus embodied it, being the very “creator” (v. 6).

The narrative further emphasizes Moses as a witness to Jesus (v. 5), highlighting the interconnectedness of their roles. This echoes the broader biblical theme of the Old Testament Scriptures bearing witness to Christ’s coming, as expressed in John 5:39.

The consequences of ignoring Christ’s message are starkly presented. Those who reject Him mirror the disobedient generation that perished in the wilderness after the Exodus (vv. 7–11). The author issues a compelling call to those who have heard Christ’s voice: “If you have heard His call, do not ignore it!”

As we delve deeper into the text, reflective questions arise: Why was Moses so esteemed, and what sets Jesus apart? The answers lie in recognizing Jesus as the ultimate messenger, the Son of God, and the fulfillment of the Scriptures.

In prayer, we echo the plea to never forget His voice. Through hardships and temptations, may we hold fast to the assurance that our Redeemer lives, finding solace in the immortal words of Samuel Medley’s hymn: “He lives, my Savior, still the same.”