Entering Rest

Today I read Hebrews 3 and 4. They're primarily talking about not letting our hearts become hard towards God, and that belief and faith are key to entering God's salvation rest.

I like these verses in chapter three (vs. 12-13): "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."

This verse reiterates the truth that we ALL need accountability and encouragement from each other - not just on Sundays, at Bible studies, or whenever we're "feeling spiritual", but EVERY day, whether we feel like it or not! In fact, the "low" times when we don't "feel spiritual" is when we really need encouragement the most. And why do we need encouragement? So that we will not be "hardened by sin's deceitfulness."

This past week I was really feeling hardened by sin's deceitfulness, and it took a really pertinent discussion with my dad to break the ice, so to speak.  I'm forever thankful to him, that even when it's hard, he doesn't shy away from exhorting me when I need it.

In chapter four, the author talks about entering God's rest. For the Hebrews in Moses' time, this rest was the physical promise land, and those forty and older never entered because of their unbelief (Hebrews 3:19).

The true Christian has two rests--that of the heart, our salvation rest in Christ (spiritual), and also heaven to come (physical). However, the author talks about those who will not enter either of those rests:

(4:1-2) "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. 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."

This verse reminded me of the passage in Matthew 13 where Jesus is explaining the parable of the seeds:

"The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away." (Matthew 13:20-21)

That root that is lacking is understanding and faith. For more on how faith is manifested, check out the book of James, which, by the way, is my favorite book of the Bible. :)

So what's the cure for unbelief? (Other than the obvious, duh, belief)

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

Sounds to me like the perfect tool to perform surgery on our hardened hearts, wot?

In Christ,
Ellie

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