Drift Away -- Part 1
We dove into Hebrews chapter 2 yesterday during the Sunday sermon. Believe me, I use ‘dove into’ VERY intentionally. I want us to focus on the sharp contrast between diving into and drifting away. Drifting away was a big focus of the message yesterday because that’s how the chapter begins:
Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. —Hebrews 2:1
As we consider our great salvation, I want to borrow some of the sermon notes from Pastor Russ regarding ‘drifting away’. Let’s define drifting away like this — “to carelessly pass by, to drift past slowly, strong connotation of carelessness, being unaware.”
What does that remind you of? I’ll tell you what it reminds me of — the song ‘Drift Away’ by Uncle Kracker. I bet you didn’t see that one coming! Of course, many of you may recall the original by Dobie Gray. Regardless of which artist stands out to you, I’d guess almost everyone reading this recognizes these lyrics —
Oh, give me the beat, boys, and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your Rock 'n' Roll
And drift away
You’re welcome for getting that song stuck in your head for the rest of the day. That’s my free gift to you. Let’s talk about a REAL free gift though; one that has actual meaning. Yes, I’m talking about salvation. Jesus is responsible for this gift. You could say He dove into this role to become flesh and dwell among us (John 1:14); where He eventually provided a means for us to be reconciled with God. When faced with the choice between the solution presented by Uncle Kracker or Dobie Gray (drifting away) versus the one Jesus offers (diving in), one would think it’s a no-brainer. That’s one way of putting it…
Before I do my best Paul in Athens impression (Acts chapter 17) for Part 2 tomorrow, I want to leave you with the lyrics of the song ‘Drift Away’. I hope you will take the rest of the day to search these lyrics for the secret to life, some way to be saved, or any real solution offered. I’m dead serious. That’s your homework…
Day after day I'm more confused
Yet I look for the light through the pourin' rain
You know that's a game that I hate to lose
And I'm feeling the strain
Ah, ain't it a shame?
Oh, give me the beat, boys, and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your Rock 'n' Roll
And drift away
Give me the beat, boys, and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your Rock 'n' Roll
And drift away
Won't you take me away?
Beginnin' to think that I'm wastin' time
I don't understand the things I do
The world outside looks so unkind
And I'm countin' on you
You can carry me through
Oh, give me the beat, boys, and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your Rock 'n' Roll
And drift away
Give me the beat, boys, and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your Rock 'n' Roll
And drift away
Won't you take me away?
And when my mind is free
You know a melody can move me
When I'm feelin' blue
The guitar's coming through to soothe me
Thanks for the joy that you're givin' me
(Oh, the joy that you're givin' me)
I want you to know I believe in your song
(Oh, yeah)
Rhythm and rhyme and harmony
You help me along (makin' me strong)
Ah, you're makin' me strong
Oh, give me the beat, boys, and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your Rock 'n' Roll
And drift away
(Drift away, oh)