The theme of the Book of Hebrews is faith in God’s Son. The author alludes to the faith failures of the Israelites as a warning to us. They had the Word of God, but the Word of God did not have them. When push came to shove, they would become restless and doubt God’s Word. Their lack of belief and restlessness never yielded good results. They only entered God’s rest when they believed His Word (the Holy Scriptures).
“God rested on the seventh day from all His works.” [2]
God created the entire universe: sun, moon, stars, and earth, and then took a day to rest. He did this as an example for us. He created all things in such a way to work and leave for us an opportunity to rest one day out of seven. The only requirement is trust His Word. Your world will not collapse without your work. You can rest. God will bless you if you do.
“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.” [3]
Let us cease from our own works on the Sabbath as God did. Let us be diligent to enter it. Our Sabbath Day work is to rest in God. This is what I tell myself when I slip into the workaholic mindset. I have to stop my own work, and trust God to bless me when I do. God does miracles when we trust in Him. At times, I have driven myself so hard, and only made matters worse. And others times, I have rested in the Lord and He resolved the matter quickly. Sometimes when I rest, God reveals to me that I have been toiling and stressing over meaningless matters.
“The word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” [4]
Take time for God’s Word. Let it discern your thoughts and the intents of your heart. Rest in Him!
“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” [5]
The Word of God leads us to our great High Priest: Jesus the Son of God. Not to an angry taskmaster! Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses. He invites us to come boldly to His throne to obtain mercy and find grace in our time of need. To let go and let God!
[1] Hebrews 4:2-3
[2] Hebrews 4:4
[3] Hebrews 4:9-11
[4] Hebrews 4:12
[5] Hebrews 4:14-16
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