Hebrews 4
Yesterday’s chapter ended in such defeat. “They were unable to enter because of their unbelief.” It seemed like when Israel was so close to completing the greatest journey from bondage to freedom ever in history – they end up finding ways of sabotaging themselves, and short-changing their journey with God and warping it into an opportunity to feed their own ego and seek out rebellion and independence.
I believe that there is good news waiting for us in Chapter 4. Apparently, there is a rest that still stands for the people of God. And we can enter into it!
“So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God…” Wouldn’t it be nice to enter into GOD’s Sabbath rest? Take a moment to think about what Sabbath means – peace, joy – reconciliation… not just not working. This is about turning the world’s systems of abuse and oppression inside -out and letting wholeness-in-community reign!
I find it ironic but also fascinating that the Hebrew writer calls us to “strive to enter that rest.” How do you work to rest? I guess after trying to practice Sabbath for the past two years – it is hard work! There are plenty of distractions; but I maintain that the ultimate spiritual discipline is learning to PAY ATTENTION; and Sabbath may be a practice in doing just that.
We find ourselves at the precipice of the Jordan River – with God’s Rest just on the other side. We can choose to fight the current of our culture, and enter into that rest – or we can go with the flow, and end up in the Dead Sea.
