Rest Area Ahead!
Hebrews Chapter 4Scripture: Hebrews Chapter 4:1 & 11 (New International Version)
1) Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.
11) Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.
Scripture: Hebrews Chapter 4:1 & 11 (Amplified Bible)
1) THEREFORE, WHILE the promise of entering His rest still holds and is offered [today], let us be afraid [to distrust it], lest any of you should think he has come too late and has come short of [reaching] it.
11) Let us therefore be zealous and exert ourselves and strive diligently to enter that rest [of God, to know and experience it for ourselves], that no one may fall or perish by the same kind of unbelief and disobedience [into which those in the wilderness fell].
Observation: Today I listed my verses from two different versions. The Amplified Bible expands the meaning of the verses using the Greek text. You can see those in the parenthesis of the verses. I am not claiming to be a Biblical scholar at all in this journal but simply citing my observations. I believe that the flow of Hebrews chapter 4 is a continuation of chapter 3. In chapter 4 the author of Hebrews is still writing about the unbelief of the Israelites that kept them from entering the Promise Land. It is his desire that none of his readers also miss entering God’s rest. The promise land was the obvious destination of rest for the Israelites but to those of the second covenant it is more than a physical place. Chapter 4 refers to a promise of rest instead of a promised land. The Greek word for promise here refers to the announcement of what is available with an assurance that it will be done. This rest is a definite thing not a mere possibility. I don’t believe that this rest is simply an eternal place. I believe that this rest refers to living by faith in the finished work of the cross. The illustrations of rest are of a place where everything is finished, where nothing else is done (verses 4 &10). We do not strive to earn our salvation or keep it. If we strive for anything it is to not try to earn our salvation or try to maintain it (verse 11). The rhema word mentioned in verse 12 is to make sure that we are allowing the work of our High Priest (Jesus) to be enough for us. The rhema word is to be active in us, telling us who we are in Christ and revealing the finished work of Christ in our lives. What our High Priest accomplished for us was completed at the cross when he uttered “it is finished.” It is the provision of our High Priest that enables us to run to the throne to obtain mercy and grace in our time of need (verse16). I need grace and mercy not when I have it all together but when I am struggling and need God’s deliverance. We have a perfect High Priest that understands what we are going through and he is there in his finished work for us to trust (rest) and obey. He is a good God and His way is enough!
Application: I must renew my mind continuously to stay in Christ provision for me. That is never an excuse for sin in my life or to live in any disobedience. I do believe however, that when this chapter refers to disobedience it is referring to unbelief in Jesus’ provision being enough (verse 6 & 11). The “rest” is allowing my faith in Christ, my High Priest to be the source for my walk with God. My works will follow my faith not be a substitute for it. The nation of Israel thought they could name their own God’s and distrust that God’s provision was enough. I don’t want to make the same mistake. I MUST know who I am in Christ because I know what he provided for me on the cross. I have to go to Jesus and lean on him completely to deliver me from temptation.
Prayer: Lord, let your rhema word dwell in me and be enough. May I trust in you completely as enough. May I follow Matthew 11: 28-30 and come to you for rest for your yoke is easy and your burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30 (New International Version)
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Called by God.
S. Hebrews 5:5 "You are My Son,Today,I have begotten You."
O. This verse caught my attention and my spirit was exclaiming, "Me too!" In v4, Paul states that"no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God," The Father is looking to wrap things up in these end times and surely He is pouring out His glory that we may step up to the plate and hit that ball right on. I sense an urgency to listen and take hold of our call and run with it. In v5, we are told that "Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He " the Father who established that plan, just as He has a plan for each of us.
A. Corinthians tells us that we are NEW CREATURES IN CHRIST and that old things have passed away and all things have become new.
A new purpose, a new call clearly established by the Father and available in Christ-Jesus.
P. Father, I ask in the name of Jesus that your call upon my life be made so very clear and the internal and external equipping be made available. I yield myself to You and receive your abundant grace and welcome the leading of your Spirit to get me where you want me. Truly, Father, I want a heart that beats passionately for You and seeks to be one who strives to bring about Your will on this earth. I love you Lord and I need you deeply.
Denise Scaglione
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