Chapter 4 presents the "flip side" of the argument just presented. The writer in Heb 3:12-19 spoke of those who did not enter into the Promised land due to their unbelief. In Chapter 4, the writer explains that the "promised land" is not a geography as much as it is a "state of being"/rest in the presence of God.
How does one get there? By believing God...trusting in Him and following Him by faith. The window of opportunity to believe God is not an unlimited "window." (Heb 4:1-2). The writer tells us to fear if we have not yet entered in while there is still time. We enter into this "rest" of God by responding to the Word of God with faithful obedience.
It is not that God continues to work to provide "rest." Heb 4:3-7 indicates that the "rest" God speaks of was completed at the foundation of the world. PEACE WITH GOD then is not dependent on a particular religious system, but in a faithful and accurate response toward God who has revealed Himself. In other words, Judaism is not the key. Baptist is not the key. Being part of a religious system will not accomplish the task. Believing God and acting according to His Word BY FAITH is the only way. We are not waiting on the "new" "right" way to approach God. We are looking for how God said to approach Him.
The argument now shifts to speak directly to those who thought that the "rest" or inheritance of God was a place. The writer tells us (Heb 4:8-10) that if the land was the "rest" that God had intended...then it would not have been spoken of again after Joshua. The "rest" was a ceasing from working to appease God...and receiving BY FAITH that which God had already accomplished and rested from.
Heb 4:11-16 tells us to be diligent to stay true to this "rest." The Word of God is sufficient to guide us. It is the (primary) instrument that the Holy Spirit uses to convict us and point to our need for God's mercy.
This mercy comes from our great High Priest who has been made like us in every way and can sympathize with us in every way as a result. So, (therefore) let us draw near to Him with confidence.
Some folks say that they are unable to "rest" in their relationship with God. They are uncertain that God will accept them. They think that God won't understand. While this may seem logical in some regards, it is certainly not biblical. The Bible (God's Word to us) is the ultimate authority on who God is, and How God acts/responds. Even if it seems illogical, God says that we can (and should) be confident in our approaching the throne because Jesus knows and cares.
Proverbs 15:2 is the takeaway today. How one speaks truth affects how another receives it. Some would say that "truth" is "truth," so we should not concern oursleves with how we "deliver" it. This is not so. Wise men choose their words, consider their context, and speak a timely Word. Fools...say what is on their mind. I think of those guys who yell at people in cars as they pass by. They tell them to turn to God or "burn in hell." They believe RIGHTFULLY that this is truth...but the method of delivery becomes a stumbling block. People do not hear the message and receive the knowledge because the deliverer is a fool. The truth never changes. Without God, the only possible outcome is separation from God. However, wise men know how to communicate this in such a manner as to encourage people to trust this God who acts with justice and mercy.
Grace,
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1 comment:
I know that God is big and I have not always felt like I could give Him all of me. But I rest assured that God is not ashamed of me and wants all of me. I like the last part of the chapter where the writter states that He has already been tested and was found true, with no sin. That is awesome but yet we still hang on part of us..... we should give it all to Him, what do we have lose... nothing but eternity to gain. :)
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