“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.” Hebrews 4:9-10
Peace and rest avail themselves to mankind from God who Himself rested from His work of creation on the seventh day. In peace, God joined man to Himself in the creative event. After man sinned in disobedience to God in the garden given them, God restored peace again between Himself and fallen mankind in a redemptive work which Christ referred to, proclaiming “it is finished,” from His physical cross of execution. Atonement had been accomplished.
Now, we are to give diligence to enter into this restored rest, and it is an effort of faith. The presentation of the Gospel of Salvation, and our positive response, have made us eligible to proceed in this ongoing faith effort. We must not harden our hearts to the Word spoken in truth, since that “faith-rest” comes by hearing and hearing comes by the Word of God. That Word is:
” …quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Yes I, in naked availability to the scrutiny of that Word, do my diligence toward peace and rest, finding myself At-one again with my Maker, and reposing from my futile self effort, (religious games and such.)
Paul feared they would miss the “rest” available by coming too late, falling into unbelief, or hardening their hearts.
“The message contained in Hebrews belongs primarily to a specific group, the Jewish Christians. Most scholars agree that the Hebrews epistle was written between 62 and 65 A D. These Christians we’re living in the transition between law and grace. — The transition from the law of Moses with its ceremonies, to the liberty of grace , a transition from the bondage of legalism to the grace and truth that make us free. The writer admonishes the Hebrew Christians to put away the the good things of Judaism for the better things of Christianity, to put away the earthly sanctuary for the heavenly building not made with hands.” Oliver B. Greene
Moving on in chapter 4 of the epistle, we are introduced to Christ our great high priest. This is critical to any understanding of the writings of exhortation from the author, most likely Paul the apostle.
We can gain and hold fast our profession of faith toward rest, only by, “Seeing, then, that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God.” The risen, ascended and seated at the Father’s right hand, Christ, is not one who cannot be “touched by the feelings of our infirmities, but was tested in all points, yet without sin.”
“Sumpatheo” meaning “to be affected with the same feeling as another, to sympathize with, to feel for, or to have compassion on,” What? “Our feebleness of health or sickness of the soul — want of strength and capacity requisite. All are dealt with compassionately by Our Mediator, Christ.
Yes, our High priest identifies with our weak and incapacitated lives. Why is this so important? It is vital because our littleness, insecurity, weakened flesh, sin nature still lurking, Satan and negative projections, and also the entire world, John says, which lies in wickedness — make faith an almost impossibility.
lastly, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
Beloved, mercy rejoices against judgment. Our naked exposures can be met with mercy to enable us to continue. Abiding as a branch in the Vine of Christ secures our peace — a true joining with Christ. Then, that realization of the Completed Work of redemption by the Author and Finisher of our faith, gives rest like nothing else can. He is our Great High P:riest! Love ya
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