Hebrew 4: 1 – 3a, 6, 7
Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be fearful that any one of you may be judged to have failed to reach it. In fact, we have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did. But the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united in faith with those who did listen. Indeed, we who believe are going to enter his rest. Therefore, since it is still the case that some do enter this rest, and yet those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not enter because of disobedience, God again set a certain day, namely, “today,” when he later said through David, as quoted before: Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.
Dear Heavenly Father,
On the Wednesday of Holy Week, the gospel writers seemed quiet. So we reflect on the words from the writer of Hebrews, listening to how we enter your eternal rest. This holy writer, inspired by the Holy Spirit, tells us it is by faith that comes to us by hearing the gospel preached—then taking that message and becoming united in faith. The writer of Hebrews warns against those who hear the word but reject it, not becoming united in faith—they do not enter your rest.
On that Wednesday of Holy Week, Jesus prepared himself for his mission; he would take the world’s sins into himself. He, who was your sinless Son, would become sin for us; and as Jesus allowed the Romans to nail him to the cross, the world’s sins were nailed with him. He endured your punishment and wrath for all that we have done. Lord, thank you for sending your Son; we could never survive that punishment. We can enter into your rest because of Jesus’ work. Our sins have been removed; this is a marvelous gift and only comes to us by faith alone.
You specify the necessity of when we are to enter your rest: today. We cannot put it off until tomorrow because who are we to think our time of grace should last an additional second? You make it clear we are to live in faith at this moment, to know you and to trust you now and not wait for tomorrow or some other day to believe in you. To be in your rest should be the highest priority on our to-do list for today. We pray that we hear your voice through your word and open our hearts to hear about the love and forgiveness you have for us. Please send your Holy Spirit to create a changed heart in us to believe your words. Then grant us opportunities to share your rest with those who do not know you so they, too, can hear your voice and believe in your Son, our Savior. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Hear this now! Jesus suffered and died for you on the cross to take away all your sins. By believing in Jesus as your Savior, you know he has removed your sin, and you will have eternal rest through faith in him.