Hebrews 4 | What's happening (and who's involved)?

Consider the Israelites. They found themselves in bondage to Pharaoh, enslaved by Egypt. They are set free with the promise of a land that is flowing with milk and honey. Then they are led to the desert where they wander for 40 years. The thing that keeps them there is their unbelief that leads to disobedience. The writer of Hebrews took the time to bring us there in chapter 3. Here in chapter 4, he emphasizes the point that there is a promise of rest for us. And the instruction that is given is to fear lest we come short of it.

The emphasis here is placed on the same theme in chapter 3. The believers are the ones who enter that rest. That rest is found in Christ. God has designed for there to be rest for mankind as He himself rested on the seventh day. That rest was not provided by Joshua who led them into the Promised Land, but a different Joshua. Yeshua, if you will, or as we know Him as, Jesus, is the One who leads us to that final rest.

The nature of this rest is a ceasing from works. We are not working to earn favor with God, nor are we working unto salvation. The faith that brings us to Jesus is the faith that enters this rest. As such, as the work was completed when God created the heavens and the earth, so also the work was completed upon Jesus' declaration, "It is finished!" The result? Rest.

A charge is then given to the believer! Be diligent to enter that rest. Do not neglect your salvation, but take that more earnest heed. The writer of Hebrews is very clearly drawing the point that we can miss this rest, just as those who fell in the wilderness did there. The word of God is living and active! As the command and judgment are given, it pierces through to the depths of the individual. As much comfort and awe we take from Hebrews 4:12, we often miss that it equally should produce a godly fear in us. You cannot fake this before the Lord. Everything is in His sight. He knows the depths of the individual. You may have others deceived of your faith. You may even have yourself deceived. You cannot deceive God. His word will cut through the depths and reveal the genuineness of your belief.

The writer of Hebrews once again draws our attention back to Jesus, our great High Priest. We are called to hold fast our confession. Stay in the game! Our High Priest understands our weaknesses. He faced trial, tribulation and temptation! He faced persecution even unto death. Yet in all this he remained without sin. He never compromised. So we can come boldly before Him to find help in time of need! He reigns on high! He has the authority to aid us in times of trouble. And in coming boldly to the throne of grace, we also find mercy.

What observations are you making in this passage?