Scripture

For the word of God is alive and powerful. it is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Observation

The rest of God is not just about a geographical location, living in the Promised Land. There is a special rest still to come. So we must be faithful in obeying God in order to enter this rest.

The word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword. It cuts through us, exposing our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing is hidden from God. We are naked and exposed before Him, and we are accountable to Him.

Application

God’s word is not a dusty boring tome. No, it is the word of life.

God’s word cuts through my excuses and justifications. It overcomes my fear and inadequacy. God’s word reveals what is in my heart and what is in God’s heart.

When this particular verse is quoted, it often feels like God is looking for every sin that lurks, just ready to rip us open for judgement and condemnation.

But God’s word is not like that. It does reveal sin, that is for sure. But it also reveals God’s mercy and His love.

Because God is my Father, I no longer feel afraid to come into His presence. I know that He loves me and He will not let me go. I see this love explained and described in the words of Scripture.

God is holy and He will judge every person. That also is clear in Scripture. But God’s love extends mercy to those who choose to follow Jesus.

Prayer

Holy Father thank you for your unfailing love. Thank you for your word which reveals you to me. Deepen my love for you and for your word. Amen

Scripture

For only we who believe can enter his rest.

Observation

God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, but some will fail to enter it. This news that God has prepared His rest for us has been announced to us just as it was to the Old Testament believers.

Only we who believe can enter his rest. As for those who refuse to believe, God has said that they will never into his rest. God’s rest was prepared at the beginning of creation and it is there still for people to enter today.

Application

What is this rest that God has prepared for us ?

Firstly, it is the good news that we do not have to strive for salvation. We don’t have to fret about obeying laws and offering sacrifices for sin. We can rest in the assurance that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross has done away with the requirements of the law. We can relax because we know that God loves us with a never-ending love.

Secondly, the rest of God refers to the promise of Heaven. In the resurrected life of eternity, we will enjoy fellowship with God for ever. In our sin- infected world, life is beset with opposition, frustration, sickness, and death. In heaven, these things will no longer exist.

Rest not necessarily a cessation of labour. It is more related to the sense that our labour is fruitful and will not be undone by hostile forces, whether human, natural, or demonic.

We rest in God when we are at the centre of His will, both in this life and the next.

Prayer

Thank you Lord that even now I enjoy your rest. I don’t have to strive for acceptance because you have broken down the walls of separation in Christ. Amen

Scripture

You must warn each other every day while it is still “today” so that none of you will be deceived and hardened against God.

Observation

The Holy Spirit warns us not to harden our hearts when we hear the voice of God. The Israelites did this when they rebelled in the wilderness. God therefore took an oath that they would never enter His rest.

Therefore we must be careful not to harden our hearts lest we turn away from God. We must warn one another so that we can all be faithful and endure to the end.

It was God’s people who rebelled against Him and made Him angry. Because of unbelief they were unable to enter His rest.

Application

As a christian community we have a responsibility to one another to warn each other against sin.

God’s plan is not for a church you go to for an hour’s entertainment and spiritual food. No, His plan is that the church should be a strong and deep community where we encourage, exhort, and even warn each other of the dangers of sin .

This presupposes a level of transparency and mutual accountability that makes uncomfortable many people in our highly individualistic culture.

The truth is that we need other people in order to grow in our faith in the Lord. We need people that we can trust, be honest with, and share our deepest failings with.

This kind of community is a rare thing. Yet it is what every congregation should aspire to be.

Prayer

Lord, I pray for my church that you will make us into the community of faith you want us to become. Amen