Hope for the Future

Scripture: For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:8-11

Observation: The writer is differentiating between those who believe and thus will find rest in the Lord, and those who do not believe and thus not receive Sabbath rest. Israel did not receive this rest simply by becoming a nation in the promised land, because they tried to achieve that rest through compliance with the law. And of course they failed. Thus, there is a future rest still to be had, and it comes from faith.

This message is really about hope. For those who think that either they missed the promises of God, or the promises weren't for them, or they don't know how to earn them, the message is clear ... the promises still lie ahead, embodied in faith in Jesus.

Application: As I seek God's promises in my life, and have hope in the knowledge that all his promises still lie ahead of me in life. His true promise is eternity in heaven. I have full faith in Jesus as Lord, savior, and Messiah. While I wish for some earthly promises now - delivery from earthly challenges and problems - I stand confident in the ultimate promise, and in my future.

Prayer: Dear Lord, while I strive to honor your laws and teachings, I know my future is secure in your hands. I cannot earn your love or promises, but yet you grant them anyway. Thank you for finding me when I was lost, adopting me into your kingdom, and giving me hope now and in all my days to come. You are a good, good father. Amen.