Speaking to the Hebrews, Paul showed concern over those who
heard the Word, yet did not enter God’s rest. The Word they heard did not help
them, because they did not turn away from their sinful lifestyle and put their
faith in Christ (Hebrews 4:1-2). Due to their disobedience and
unbelief, they simply prayed a hollow prayer and then hardened their hearts and
continued their routine of sin (Hebrews 4:3-7).
The Bible is very clear on the topic of those who are
convicted, yet are never truly converted from their behavior. They are not
truly Born Again. God intends for us to fully enter His rest, relinquishing our
hold on sin and living our life in God’s truth (Hebrews 4:8-9). Rest is
a symbol of heaven; however, we can enter God’s rest now (Hebrews
4:10). It takes a bit of effort on our part to stop striving and
to realize that we are dead and that our life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians
3:3).
If we continue to reject God’s free gift of salvation or to
work FOR God, then we take a chance of walking in disobedience and living life
our own way (Hebrews 4:11). The Bible warns us not to allow
works, and eventually sin, to take the place of faith and obedience in our life
(Hebrews
3:12-13). We are called to hold each other accountable in love, so
that no one falls short of God’s rest (Hebrews 3:19). Even
though some may come to resent our care and call it interference or pressure,
God calls us to warn one another.
We can also take a warning from the life of Israel. God
spent decades attempting to draw them into His rest; however, they continued in
stubborn disobedience and compromise with their world. As we mature in our faith, we learn to trust
God’s Word, to live according to its precepts and to be led by God’s Spirit. We
live in more peace and fulfillment as we submit to God gifts of both the desire
and the power to live the abundant Christian life (Philippians
2:12-13).
Prayer:
Father God, You promise us a future and a hope (Jeremiah
29:11). We can take the gospel of Christ to the ends of the earth
without fear, if we first fear You (Hebrews 10:31). We are
not afraid of You, but we tremble at Your awesome power (Jeremiah
33:9). We praise You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to save
us from our penchant for sin and for setting us free from the degradation and
despair of a life of sin. You are compassionate, gracious and slow to anger.
You always abound in love, kindness and forgiveness (Exodus
32:6-7).
Thought for the Day:
When we fear the Lord, we have no need to fear anything in
life, because all the power of the Trinity dwells within us. - Proverbs 9:10;
Colossians 1:27