Hebrews 4:1-13
“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it” (Hebrews 4:2).
- How well does faith mix with the Gospel in my life?
- Just how much does the Word profit me?
May God give me faith in His Word and make me faithful to His Word. If I do not accept the Word with faith, I will not enter into the promised rest.
The term translated unbelief in Hebrews 4:6 is used six other times in the New Testament (one of them in verse 11). Half of those times it is translated unbelief; the other half, disobedience. This reminds me that faith is faithful. Or to put it another way, faith works.
When I hear His voice, I must receive His Word with a soft heart (Hebrews 4:7). This reminds me of the seed sown by the wayside. Such soil seems hard, unimpressionable, and unreceptive. So the seed just lies there, to be snatched away the wicked one (Matthew 13:19).
In Greek, the term translated rest in Hebrews 4:10 is a noun derived from the verb translated hath ceased in that same verse. Now read Ephesians 2:8,9. Notice that the Lord’s resurrection on this special day marks the beginning of a new rest. We need not try to win our salvation through good works.
“Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief” (Hebrews 4:11). Make it your compelling priority to achieve this rest. Live by faith lest rebellious, obstinate unbelief deprive you of that rest. The Greek word translated labour here is elsewhere translated do diligence, give diligence, be diligent, endeavour, and study. It means “to use speed”; in other words, make an effort with prompt earnestness.
Go to Jesus:
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
When I am terribly burdened…or when I’m lightly burdened…when my work seems much…or little — is my answer Jesus?
And how about taking His yoke, thus accepting His being Master?
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29).
And thus another key to rest: humility.
Those who learn His meekness and lowliness find rest.
Excerpted from To Find Rest
I like that. Sometime I shall receive the recompense of a righteous God (v 6) — rest!
Then I get to the rest of the verse, and I say, “Please! Not yet! Some people I love aren’t ready yet.”
Excerpted from Please. Not Yet!
Additional Reading
Please keep in mind that as Christians we serve a sovereign God, therefore we would do well to relax, be a good steward of what He has given us and simply trust Him. His Word is His character and He cannot lie. It is a done deal. Our rest comes from trusting Holy Spirit to lead us and our obedience in obeying Him.