HEBREWS 4:11-13: “Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

OBSERVATION: How do we enter into the “rest” of the Lord? Hebrews speaks of a rest for the people of God. Many of the Old Covenant did not enter into this rest because they did not mix the Word of God with faith. God’s Word fell on the rocky soil of their hearts and was stolen away. Yet, there remains a spiritual rest for the people of God. It can be attained. It can be experienced. What is the key to unlocking this promised rest?

The writer of Hebrews exhorts us to pursue it diligently. He warns us to guard ourselves from the same disobedience that kept many of the Old Covenant from entering this rest. He directs us to the Word of God. We cannot mix our faith with good intentions. We cannot mix our faith with our own human efforts. The only thing that produces the rest of God is when we mix our faith with God’s Eternal Word.

The Word of God is not static. It is not some fairy tale contrived by the mind of man. It is the living and active Word of the Creator of the universe. It is the only thing that can discern and divide between the mind of man and the true intention of his heart. It is the only thing that can both expose our sin, our doubt, our fear – while leading us to forgiveness, life, and faith. As we embrace the Word of God He begins to do His work in us through the power of the Holy Spirit. We begin to enter into the true spiritual rest that is promised as we allow this work to take place.

As we surrender, as we listen, and as we obey – we begin to cease from our own striving and effort. Like a sailboat that is lifted by the wind, so we are lifted by the power of the Holy Spirit. The things that we now do are flowing from His power and action in our lives. It is the difference between riding a bike uphill in our own strength – or cruising downhill as we peddle without effort. In both cases we are involved and active. Yet, in one we are relying only on our human effort (uphill). In the other we are relying on a power greater than us (downhill).

Lord, help me to surrender fully to Your Word today. Allow Your Word to speak into my life, cleanse me from my sin, and direct me in the paths of righteousness for Your Name’s sake. As I surrender to Your Word, as I embrace it with faith, may the power of Your Holy Spirit lift me up from my own limitations and weaknesses and into the wonderful provision of Your victory and rest! In Jesus Name!