Quote for the Day

“Now we who have believed enter that rest…”

Today's Prayer

This week pray for those at home without the companionship and help of their traveling partner. Ask God to give them the physical and spiritual rest they need.

Hebrews 4:1-11

Hebrews 4:1-11 (NIV)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. 2 For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. 3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, “So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’ ” And yet his work has been finished since the creation of the world. 4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “And on the seventh day God rested from all his work.” 5 And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.” 6 It still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in, because of their disobedience. 7 Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was said before: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” 8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.

Message

Rest…probably one of the most sought after “activities” in our society, maybe the world. We are a people without rest. We are constantly busy with the details of life. Even when we do take a vacation, we try to “get in” as much as possible. The use of the word “rest” in Hebrews refers to multiple types of rest. The first is the ultimate rest: salvation in Christ and an eternity with God Almighty. The second type of rest is a life here on earth that is resting in the power of Christ. Yes, God has a plan for us here on earth, and it involves real work. He also expects us to rest in His power and His will in accomplishing His goals. Finally, God expects us to rest while here on earth. Okay, this time it means what you think. Stop your activities and rest. Verse 9 tells us that we have a Sabbath-rest from our work here on earth, and reminds us that God provided a great example for us by taking some time off after He created this world we live in. This week find your rest in Christ, and then be sure and take the time to rest.