Here is a passage worth a ponder or two.
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…(Heb. 4:9-11)
Wait! What? I thought I was supposed to work for God, to serve the Lord. Yes, but… here is something to consider. The context here goes all the way back to Israel’s failure to keep the Law. It reveals the truth that no human can keep it without missing the mark. Then it points ahead to the work of the Cross that begins to transform us from the inside out when we receive Christ. We often think of the “do’s and don’ts” of our faith walk, how we are improving ourselves, checking off the list of religious duties. And it is true, discipline is key. But in what direction, and under whose leadership? I find myself asking, am I caught up in my own cycle of rules and regulations, defining my own version of Christianity, disregarding the Holy Spirit’s leading?
That’s one of the things I just love about Jesus. He is so personal, so continually connected. All we bring to the party is our loving surrender, our worship, our listening ear. Perhaps that is one of the messages of Hebrews 4, for the writer goes on to say this:
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing of soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Heb. 4:12-13)
Oh, those motives! Am I working out of some sort of religious improvement plan, or out of sheer obedience, leaning back into His Grace? It makes all the difference, both in success and rewards.
And here is something to remember.
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Heb. 4:14-16)
This is good news. Jesus knows our every weakness, and went all the way to Calvary and back to the Father in heaven to give us all things that pertain to life and godliness. All we need to do is ask. He’s waiting with mercy, forgiveness when we fail. And Grace, His transforming power working in us. Sometimes all we can pray is “Help”. But He always answers that prayer.