Hebrews 4:1-3 (NKJV)
Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. 3 For we who have believed do enter that rest
According to Hebrews, the promise of entering God’s rest still remains. What is God’s rest? It is several things. To rest in someone means to believe in them. To rest may mean relaxation. Entering God’s rest implies entering the Promised Land as well. God’s rest is also entering into Christ. All of these things are significant. It takes faith which is belief and trust to enter that rest as well.
In these times as in Bible times, people say God is no longer active in His creation. That He has withdrawn from us and no longer cares about the world. Hebrews reminds us that the Promise remains to all who believe and desire to follow Him. Following Jesus is the way to enter God’s rest. The Promise still stands as it did then! And that promise is given to you! What will you do with it? Will you accept the gift of God’s rest in Him? Or will you be like those to whom the author writes in his time who heard the message but were skeptical and cynical and did not believe the offer? Throughout the Bible, God reminds us of His promises. He made the Promise to Abraham, repeated it to Isaac and then told Jacob. He does not go back on His word. And His promise does not depend on our ability. It is God who extends the offer completely on His own (Genesis 15). All we need do is believe and accept. It may sound too good but it is true!
Many heard the offer but did not believe. It sounds too good to be true. The Apostles gave their lives to accept the promise. Would anyone risk their lives for a lie? Would you? So today, when you hear God’s Promise, open your heart and mind to the offer He still makes to you. “For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:39 NKJV). God has made you “an offer you shouldn’t refuse” (but you can) as an heir to the Kingdom. Straighten out your crown, adjust your robe and start living within the promise of His rest. You didn’t earn it; it is His gift to you! Live within His blessings.
Lord God, thank You for Your rest in so many ways. You provide us a place to live, peace in You in which to live, a Sabbath to worship You and life eternal to be spent with You. Help us to hear and accept the message. Lead us to others who need to hear Your word and give us the words to speak. Our faith feels so small and weak. Increase our faith Lord. Open all our hearts and minds to Your Son. In Your name we pray!