2005-01-23 Communion Dedication - Baldwin Christian Church

Hebrews 4

1. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
2. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them (the children of Israel had heard the good news from the prophets): but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

Without faith it's impossible to please God. Without faith it's impossible to live fruitful lives. Without faith it's impossible to find that elusive, true sense of peace.

3. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said (Psalm 95), As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
4. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
5. And in this place again, if they shall enter into my rest.
6. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
7. Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. (Psalm 95:7-8)
8. For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
9. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
10. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Is it just me, or is it really hard some days to enter into that rest?

Some days It seems that everything I touch falls to pieces; everything I try to do, for some reason they either don't get done, or even if they do get done, everything was ten times more difficult than it should have been. But then, some days it's not the things that cause this unrest in my soul. Sometimes it's people; it's family, it's friends. It seems that no matter what I do, there are some days when almost every conversation has some strife or discontent. It can be a hard thing to enter into rest sometimes, and perhaps that's why verse eleven calls it "labour." It requires faith, and as verse two tells us, it requires preaching mixed with faith.

(Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.)

12. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
14. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

When you're having one of those days; one of those days when even hearing the word "rest" would cause you to laugh out loud in disdainful mockery, remember the throne of grace. Remember that He desires your mercy, your love, more than any work you can do today. Remember that, and His grace will find you and comfort you when you need it most. Even though this same thought appears many times through the scriptures, Hosea 6:6 is the easiest for me to remember: (God speaking) For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

At this time, let's lay aside every weight that besets us, every burden on our souls, and let's enter into His rest.