Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. Now we who have believed enter that rest… Hebrews 4:1-3
There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest… Hebrews 4:9-11
Dear heavenly Father, what a most glorious paradox! You’re calling me to diligently work… to invest great effort… to strive with all my might to enter your rest... I know my performance-based heart well enough to appreciate why you framed this freeing admonition with so much irony. Work hard to rest well. Work hard to cease working.
Indeed, the gospel contradicts the fundamental way I’ve been trained to approach every sphere of life–athletics, education, finances, career, reputation… everything. “Do it the good ole fashion way. Earn it! You’ll get what’s coming to you. God’s helps them that help themselves.” These mantras have been my motivation and method… and my madness.
But holy and gracious Father, with respect to having a relationship with you, I’m so glad I didn’t get “what’s coming to me,” for you’ve given that to Jesus on the cross. What comes to me in the gospel is something I neither deserved nor could ever earn—your permanent favor resting on me. There is no greater rest than to know you are resting and rejoicing in your great love over me… NONE.
Jesus, you created the world in six days and then entered a Sabbath rest. You did everything necessary for my salvation and the restoration of the entire cosmos, and then, in a most profound sense, you rested again. “It is finished!” was your dying cry of life-giving hope.
Now, it’s mine to believe the gospel, not, “work the program.” I have heard and I will continue to hear the gospel. And by your grace, I will continue to combine that hearing with the faith you give me. Jesus, that glorious admixture is my rest… in this life and the life to come. So very Amen, I pray, in the wonders of your matchless name and finished work.
