The Mystery RevealedSample

Day 21: Bailey Redmond, Missionary at One Voice Student Missions

Hebrews 4

Every time I read this passage of scripture found in Hebrews 4, my heart is immediately pricked by conviction. What does it truly mean to "enter into His rest"? Do I need to take more vacations? What is this "rest" God is speaking of? The "rest" Hebrews 4 is speaking of isn't about napping more or taking it easy. It's about resting in our Great High Priest and the finished work of the Cross! It's settling into what He has accomplished, once and for all. The gospel is our confidence!

In Hebrews 4, we see the toil and wandering the Israelites endured on the journey to the Promised Land, the place that God had given them to rest in the natural. As you're probably familiar with the story of Exodus, it was disobedience that caused Israel's suffering in the wilderness. What took them 40 years was meant only to take 40 days! There was constant anxiety, fear, and distrust in the leadership of God. The "rest" in which God was speaking of wasn't just a physical location. It's an inward reality that now Jesus has provided for us through the Holy Spirit. When God speaks, we can rest assured that He will not fail. Obedience brings a CALM to our inner storms!

When we resist obeying Him, our hearts become hardened, and it gives birth to unbelief. Like the Israelites, we enter into striving, anxiety, and discontentment when there is unbelief in our hearts instead of resting in His promises, believing in faith, trusting His voice, and obeying His leadership. But there is good news through the gospel! This rest is available to you today! His leadership is perfect. We have a High priest who understands our testing and weakness! So, as we hold fast to our faith in this glorious gospel of Jesus Christ, we are invited to enter a rest that comes only through faith in the finished work of Jesus! We can now hear His Word, believe in faith, and obey because we love Him.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for being our Great High Priest. Thank You that there is rest available for me TODAY in what You have accomplished! Tune my ears to hear Your word and be quick to obey. Help me find rest in quick obedience and trust in the gospel You have given us. I love You, and I place my faith in You! Amen!