The Land Of Sweet Rest Awaits Us

   Of the many descriptions of heaven in the Bible, one of my favorites is the promise of rest. Hebrews 4 is one of those passages that speaks of a rest that awaits, but for whom is it awaiting?

The context of Hebrews 3-4 is a reminder to the Jewish readers of the failings of the children of Israel to enter the rest that was promised to them.  The word “enter” is used 11 times in 20 verses (3:11-4:11), and six of those times it is preceded by the word “not,” referencing God’s sentence upon them that they would “not enter His rest.”  But why?  What did they do or not do?  What can learn to make sure that we do not miss entering His rest?

From this passage and the story of the children of Israel, we learn that rest awaits those who fear God.  “Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it” (4:1).  Everything about God—His nature, His authority,  His word—must be respected.  To enter God’s rest, we must learn to “fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecc. 12:13).   We must take heed to the words of Jesus, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.  But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10:28).  Do you respect God?  You will not enter His rest unless you do.

From this passage and the story of the children of Israel, we learn that rest awaits those who believe. “For we who have believed do enter that rest…” (4:3).  Verse 2 states that the children of Israel did not enter because “the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.”  God plainly said “that they could not enter in because of unbelief” (3:19).  No wonder this same book proclaims, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him” (11:6).

From this passage and the story of the children of Israel, we learn that rest awaits those who obey. God does not separate fear or faith from obedience.  The Israelites “did not enter because of disobedience” (4:6).  One verse says it was due to “unbelief” (3:19), and another says “disobedience” (4:6).  To God, faith and obedience are inseparable (cf. 3:18-19; Jas. 2:26).

Let us not be guilty of the failings of the children of Israel that prevented them from entering God’s rest.  Let us be diligent to enter His rest through faithful obedience.

Eric