RPG Adults
THE CHALLENGE TO ENTER GOD’S REST
WEDNESDAY, JULY 24
Hebrews 4:1-8
Acts 7:44-50
“Howbeit the most High dwelleth not
in temples made with hands …”
THE CHALLENGE TO ENTER GOD’S REST
The word “rest” in the text is used as a noun. There are many words that are translated rest. The most common of these is the word Sabbath. This is a Hebrew word which is usually not translated. It is a name given to the day when God rested from His creations and the weekly day of rest. The word is also translated “peace.” The usage of the word in the text means eternal rest. God’s rest and all the privileges of heaven is the expectation of every believer. A challenge is given to the believers to strive to enter into that rest.
There is an offer of eternal rest in the heavenly Promised Land. The settlement of Israel in the land of Canaan has a parallel with the eternal settlement of believers. God had promised to take them to a land flowing with milk and honey. It was a description of an earthly “paradise.” The text here adopted that parallel, but the promise referred to here is that of heaven itself. It will be a place of peace and rest. Negligence can lead to coming short of that rest.
The writer gives a challenge to fear and to strive to enter into that rest. None should come short of it. The gospel was preached to us as it was to them. However, when the Word preached is not mixed with faith, it does not profit those who hear it. “… faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17). Moses spoke the words of God to Israel but they did not believe in Him, they often disputed because they did not take His words by faith.
THOUGHT: Faith is having the assurance of the promises of God.
PRAYER: Father, grant me strong faith that I may enter into that eternal rest.