Hebrews 4:3b-11 — Take a Load Off!

READ THIS: Hebrews 4:3b-11

3b And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world. 4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.” 5 And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.” 6 Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, 7 God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: “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 their works, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.

WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

Taking it allll the way back to the creation of the world, God has been in a pattern of rest and implored His people to do the same. In ancient Jewish culture, taking a Sabbath meant absolutely no work, under no circumstances. And if our ultimate goal is to become more and more like God, we should rest just as He did.

We've been learning about how the Israelites did not get to enter God's rest because of their disobedience but God is giving us a time to be obedient in His words to David in Psalm 95. The time is right now. Like now! The time is "today," God wants you to be obedient. And because of Jesus' sacrifice, we are forgiven for our past disobedience and are able to try again today! 

Taking time to rest is so important, especially for our faith! When we are tired and beat down, that is when the enemy attacks because he is trying to play to our weakness. To prevent this, we must. rest. Which can seem daunting in the culture we live in where we are told to always go, go, go. But, verse 11 says it best- "let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience."

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. Have you ever heard of the "Sabbath?" What do you think that means/looks like?
 
2. How do you find true rest with God? What makes you feel rested and at peace?

TRY THIS:

Watch this Bible Project video to learn more about the Sabbath and how we can interact with that now!

SONG OF THE WEEK:
 
This week, we see how Jesus lived His life and that points us to living our lives differently! Think about this concept through the song of the week!





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