Hebrews 4 reminds me of having an All-Access Pass at a concert. It is provided by someone well-connected, and grants authority to walk past security and enjoy time with the star. Today’s lesson is about confidently stepping out of the crowd. Having already explained that God made a provision for the nation of Israel to enter the Promised Land, he begins the chapter, “Since the promise of entering His rest still stands… we also have had the good news proclaimed to us”. God’s covenant with Abraham gave His people more than just the land. He also said that all the nations of the earth would be blessed through the offspring of Abraham. On the Cross, with His last breath, Jesus said, “It is finished.” (John 19:30). This was the fulfillment of that covenant. Though separated by 2,000 years, the author links the two promises: “the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed”. Everyone must enter God’s rest by faith. The Children of God did not enter the promised Land because they did not trust God’s promise. He continues, “Now we who have believed enter that rest”. The author references the creation to establish that the song of our salvation was completed before Adam sinned. “His works have been finished since the creation of the world”. Backstage was off limits to the unclean for a time.
He continues the theme by making it contemporary, “On the seventh day God rested from all His works”. He ceased because all preparation was completed. He adds, “it still remains for some to enter that rest”. And, some “had the good news proclaimed to them”, yet “did not go in because of their disobedience”. He indicates that this opportunity will soon end. God “set a certain day, calling it ‘Today’”. And he repeats for the third time, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts”. We do not know when the final curtain will fall.
The next generation was led into the Promised Land by General Joshua. But the people did not yet have peace. God spoke “later about another day”. He concludes, “There remains… a Sabbath-rest for the people of God”. He makes a major point: “anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works”. So much damage has been done to those seeking approval and acceptance. False promises lure sincere hearts astray. In sharp contrast, the Joy of the Lord makes it a pleasure to accompany His Spirit in ministry. He notes the key to this unity: “The Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword”. The Word of God is our Bible. It includes prohibitions, instruction, wisdom, prophecy, judgement and hope. “It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit”. It cuts to the heart of addiction, hatred and contempt, “It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart”. It can cut away anger, stubbornness, and bitterness to allow for healing. “Everything is uncovered and laid bare”. There is no anonymity with God: “we must give account”. All of this builds to his finale. “Since we have a great high priest… Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess”. Not some distant, unapproachable figure above the crowd, “unable to empathize with our weaknesses”. No, “we have [a high priest] who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin”. His perfect sinless sacrifice is our All Access Pass. The writer calls each of us to follow: “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence”. With Christ as our badge, we can boldly enter the very presence of God Almighty “so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need”. My friend, there is nothing you can do to void the promise of God’s forgiveness. Our faith is in our resurrected Savior who now intercedes on our behalf. Jesus has done the work to give us access. Do you have the faith to enter His rest today?