NT for Lent 4 - Hebrews 4
Yeah, yeah, I know. This morning, Hebrews 4:
A Sabbath-Rest for the People of God
1Therefore, 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. 2For 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. 3Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,
“So I declared on oath in my anger,
‘They shall never enter my rest.’ ” And yet his work has been finished since the creation of the world. 4For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “And on the seventh day God rested from all his work.” 5And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.”
6It still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in, because of their disobedience. 7Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was said before:
“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts.” 8For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. 11Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.12For 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. 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Jesus the Great High Priest
14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
February 26th, 2007 at 10:51 am
I really like this idea of the word of God as an active, dynamic force. I suspect that others will interpret this differently, but it is a powerful image. Plus I am interested in the idea of a Sabbath rest. What seems to be discussed here is something more than a day of rest, but more like an era or an epoch - the idea that we will come into a time of rest with God.
February 26th, 2007 at 10:55 am
PS, I know that everyone is going to say that the “rest” is heaven, but comparing it with the rest that Joshua was bringing or the rest that God had after creation suggests to me the idea of a different idea of rest.
February 26th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
“9There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his.”
I think many scriptures can be read on more than one level… but I see God’s rest as receiving grace… we cease using the law (works) to be justified before God, and accept his love and grace (rest) as poured out in Christ.
Why, paradoxically, do we have to “strive” to enter this rest? Because it’s the most natural thing in the world to think we have to do something to receive God’s favour. To simply open our hearts to accept this love and favour with the openness of a child is something that can be a struggle.
But of course if you’re REALLY a good Christian you’ll give away your TV… ooops, wrong thread!!!!
February 27th, 2007 at 9:28 am
Janet, I really like that linking of the idea of God’s rest with the idea of grace. I am going to think about that some more.
March 6th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
“The promise of entering God’s rest still stands”
This rest is the same one that God promised the Israelites on leaving slavery in Egypt. I equate, not with an after-life heaven but the kingdom of heaven starting here on earth - living in freedom under the just and merciful reign of God.
Unfortunately just entering the promised land under Joshua was not enough. There was still too much ‘hardening of hearts’ against God. Yet even though there is rebelion against God in the world, we who hear God’s word and have faith can enter this rest now becasue God has integrated it into creaton from the begining. Therefore let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. Jesus is the way for us to enter this Gracious rest.
PS: “For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day” - I love how the author couldn’t remember where this was written, but quoted it anyway. If only the Holy Spirit had let the scripture writers use online concordnaces in those days.
March 6th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
The promised land was rest from slavery, and from wandering in the wilderness… I guess analogous to slavery to sin / law / death… and from wandering in the darkness of ignorance.
The promised land wasn’t a holiday… it involved sowing and weeding and reaping and all kinds of work… just as our life of discipleship involves activity but not bondage.
Yes, I think I get what you’re saying.