Scripture

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Observation

Jesus is our great High Priest who has entered heaven. So let us hold firmly to the faith.

This High Priest has faced every temptation that we do, but remained without sin. We should boldly approach the throne of God to receive mercy and grace to help us .

Application

Because we know God loves us, we can approach His throne boldly. Boldly does not mean brashly or arrogantly. It means that we pray with confidence.

This confidence is not based on our own achievements, but on God’s grace. I have been forgiven by God. Jesus died for me. I am a child of the mighty, holy gracious God. Therefore, I can approach Him with confidence .

Our prayers don’t have to be theologically correct. We don’t have to pray answers. We come before God confidently and we lay our concerns, burdens, and cares at His feet .

Then we walk away metaphorically, knowing that God will supply what we need. We find mercy at the throne, but also grace from a God who loves us.

Prayer

Father, I thank you for your great love for me. Thank you for the privilege of being called your child. Thank for answering my prayers. Amen

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