As Hebrews 4 opens, we find a continuation of the discussion of rest and the need for rest “today” that started in chapter 3. Here, the author discusses this need for rest by taking us back to the creation story and showing us where God demonstrated rest for us on the seventh day. As the writer of Hebrews is making his argument, we also see an indelible link between faith and obedience.
For we who have believed enter that rest…
Hebrews 4:3 (ESV)
Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.
Hebrews 4:11 (ESV)
Throughout God’s Word, we repeatedly see an unbreakable link between what we believe and what we do. God is looking at our actions as evidence of our faith identity. What’s interesting to me here is that must be more for our benefit than His.
Think about it: Does God really not know what we believe until we show it?
No. WE are the ones who require that evidence.
What I love about this passage is that as we walk through life, struggling to maintain integrity between what we believe and what we actually do, God makes clear that we don’t have to go through it alone.
He knows.
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV)
He knows where we struggle. He knows because He’s been there. He has been tempted as we are tempted. He has been to the crossroads of faith and behavior and walked forward in integrity. He has demonstrated that He is worthy to follow, believe, and emulate. Jesus is the example we need and the bridge to eternity without whom we have no hope.
So how does this passage wrap up? Be confident – Approach the throne of grace because Jesus alone offers the grace and mercy we desperately need.
Not the condemnation of “I did it! Why can’t you?”
Not a Holier-Than-Thou chastisement, but
Not a shying away from sin either.
Grace. Mercy. Timely help.
And, an openness, maybe even a desire, to be approached.
Think about that for a moment. The God of heaven who spoke the universe into existence is saying, “Come to me. I want to help you when you struggle. I know what it’s like. I put myself in your shoes so you would know that.”
We serve a God who deeply loves us and wants us to connect with Him. A connection that is enabled by the integrity of our faith and behavior and damaged when either our faith or behavior is misaligned.
When was the last time you connected with Him?
He’s waiting for you.
What are you waiting for?
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