Entering the True Promise

Scripture: This new place of rest he is talking about does not mean the land of Israel that Joshua led them into. If that were what God meant, he would not have spoken long afterwards about “today” being the time to get in. So there is a full complete rest still waiting for the people of God. Hebrews 4:8-9

Observation: As the writer of Hebrews discusses entry into the promise of salvation by faith, he clarifies that this entry is not the same event as entering the promised land. However, simply by echoing back to that event, he is by reference comparing the two.

When the Jews first went to the promised land, they were denied entry for one reason ... lack of faith. They didn't believe God could give them the land, despite having recently witnessed him defeating Egypt. For this reason, they were not allowed in, forced to wander for a time. That generation never entered the land, but rather it was the next generation who did not directly witness the Lord's mighty hand that entered the promised land.

In turn, it remains this faith that Jesus defines as entry to the promise of life. Faith - belief in Jesus and in turn in God - is the cost of admission. Until we have that faith, we wander this earth ... and whoa to anyone who, when placed in a situation to embrace that faith, instead turns away.

In the end, it seems this is the warning of the author of Hebrews. There are Jews who have now heard about Messiah, may even be part of those who consider themselves part of the believers, however in their hearts they don't actually "believe". They understand the concepts, they know the scriptures and the prophets, but they fail to place their faith in Jesus.

Application: This is the heart of what we have been discussing at church. There are "Christians" who are not coming to church out of fear. This is troubling. Only God knows their heart, and certainly there are reasons to be careful in certain circumstances given every individual's health issues. However, there is clearly a test of faith taking place.

Again, only the Lord knows the hearts of others. It is clear, though, that this is a time when everyone must decide the nature of their belief. Is it just a logical understanding, or is it faith?

Prayer: Lord, I pray for my friends and those about me who have not yet re-engaged in church. May their faith emerge, even stronger than before. Help them past their fear, and please move their hearts to show their faithful resolve. Amen.