SCRIPTURE: HEBREWS 4
MEMORY VERSE:
“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.” (Hebrews 4:12)
“Let 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.” (Hebrews 4:16)
A SABBATH REST FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD (vs. 1-13)
Those who heard the message of gospel must combine it with faith. Those who have believed and obeyed God’s Word will enter God’s rest. There is a Sabbath rest for the people of God. Anyone who enters God’s rest must also rest from his own work.
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. 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. (vs. 12-13)
JESUS THE GREAT HIGH PRIEST (vs. 14-16)
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. We have a high priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses, for he has been tempted in every way, yet was without sin. Let 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.
THOUGHTS:
There are three different “rest”:
- God’s Sabbath rest after creation.
- Israel’s rest of victory in Canaan.
- Believer’s rest of faith today.
Israel was delivered from Egypt, but a whole generation failed to enter Canaan and claim their promised inheritance because of their unbelief. We have to spend time daily reading the Word and meditating on it applying its truths to our hearts because one day we will give account to God of what we have done.
God had given the Israelites the opportunity to enter Canaan, but they disobeyed and failed to enter. Now God offers us the opportunity to enter his ultimate place of rest by inviting us to come to Christ. To enter his rest, we must believe in Christ, obey His Word and put your complete trust in Him. Do you want to find peace with God? Now is the time!
The Word of God is living, life-changing and dynamic. It reveals who we are and what we are not.; It penetrates the core of our moral and spiritual life. It discerns what is within us both good and evil. We must listen to the Word and let it shape our life.
Nothing can be hidden from God because He is omnipresent. God sees all we do and knows all we think. We can have no secrets from God but it is comforting to realize that God still loves us intimately.
HIGH PRIESTS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT VERSUS CHRIST IN NEW TESTAMENT:
High priest was the highest religious authority for the Jews. He alone entered the Holy of Holies in the Temple once a year to make atonement for the sins of the whole nation. Jesus mediates between God and us. He is the humanity’s representative who intercedes for us before God. As God’s representative, he assures us of God’s forgiveness. He is truly God and truly man. Christ is always at God’s right hand interceding for us. He is always available to hear us when we pray.