{Hebrews 4:1-13}
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. 2 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. 3 Now 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. 4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: "And on the seventh day God rested from all his work." 5 And again in the passage above he says, "They shall never enter my rest."
6 It 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. 7 Therefore 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."
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 his own work, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.
12 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. 13 Nothing 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.
Living the Christian Life... because it matters!
The Israelites of Moses' and Joshua's day heard great messages from God, but they still did not respond in faith. Many people in our churches today reflect the same problem. They have heard many messages, they may have even read the Bible, but they have not responded in faith. People know a great deal about Christ, but they do not know him personally-they don't combine their hearing with faith. They are not real believers who take God at his word and obey him. Religion without obedience to God has no value. Hearing many sermons and not responding only makes us indifferent to the word of God. Believe in Christ and then act on what you know. Are you just hearing the word? Or are you hearing and obeying?
Devotion/Prayer
God's people missed rest in the Promised Land through their unbelief. This is a warning to us. God calls us to trust Him and to enter into the rest that He has enjoyed since the completion of creation. In Christ Jesus, we have rest from the accusation of the Law. The Holy Spirit leads us to trust in Christ, granting us everlasting peace. * Lord Jesus, You are my rest. May I always look to You when I am weary and afraid. Amen.
Touching lives for Christ... because it matters!
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