The writer of Hebrews continues to build the argument on how Jesus is better through the Law of Moses. God creates the law for Israel as loving discipline, but the people of God fall short to fulfill the law. Instead of abandoning Israel, today’s passage reminds us that God keeps covenant with Israel, “I shall be your God, and you shall be my people” by leading them to the Promised Land. What waits for Israel in the Promised Land? Rest. And this is good news for Israel and the children of God today.

Hebrews 3 begins with a comparison between a son and a servant. Jesus is a faithful son in 3:6 which implies a child that shares the same nature as their father. When we consider Jesus and his role as son to God the Father, this position elevates Jesus above Moses to receive more glory and honor. Even though Moses is not the son of God, he is a servant that gives voluntary devotion and service. The word used in 3:5 is not “bond-slave” when we read “servant” in other parts of the Bible but means close attendant. If you remember, Moses experiences the presence of God on Mount Horeb. He removes his sandals because the ground is holy. God appoints both Jesus and Moses to specific roles. How do they respond? Both answer God’s call with obedience. And I am learning obedience is the one thing God asks of his children.

I see another picture take shape in 3:16-4:3. The direct warning is “let us fear” to the original audience to hold fast to their belief in God, through obedience, or their faith will dwindle into unbelief. This stood out to me the most. As I get older, I am more aware of my prideful heart that deceives me to believe I cannot stray from God. We have to remember the enemy is real and his mission is to steal, kill, and destroy the children of God. The author of Hebrews reminds us how some Israelites did not enter the Promised Land because they rejected God and chose to worship carved images instead of Yahweh. In the days of Moses, Israel was given two paths to believe or not believe in God. The same paths are laid out for you and me too. Which path will you choose?

If you choose the path of belief in God, it leads to rest. The author spends the time to define rest, how to rest, and the importance of rest. The Greek word for rest is “katapausis” to mean repose or actively put to rest. When I researched a little bit about rest, there are three parts in the scripture that points to the unfolding plan of God’s redemption. The three parts are: historical, spiritual, and eschatological. The historical rest is the event when Israel enters the Promised Land after the exodus from Egypt and the forty years of wilderness. God is faithful to give rest to Israel because of his covenant with them. Spiritual rest is what I like to think of as the “active” part where you and I get to participate in right now. For those who receive the gift of salvation through Jesus that Hebrews 3:14 alludes to, also receive a Sabbath rest to practice consistently (4:9-10). Think less about rules for Sabbath rest and think more about best ways to enjoy deep communion with God because this is the reason God created Sabbath for us! Lastly, eschatological rest in 4:8 describes a future rest when Jesus returns and makes all things new. This reminds the children of God the hope of their salvation is a promise of eternity in heaven with Jesus.

Now that we studied the definition of rest in the Bible, how do we rest and why is it important? The answer for how to enter rest can be summarized as a life of sanctification by the Holy Spirit. In Hebrews 4:12, the word of God is the tool that sanctifies us. We read the word of God and understand and meditate on it. Developing this consistency in the word of God helps fend off disbelief the enemy tries to plant in our minds. It also contributes to the growth in my faith of belief in God and who he says he is. My prayers start to sound like Psalm 139:23-24 because I want God to pluck everything out of me that stands in the way of rest with God. And lastly, the importance of rest is to protect us from disobedience (4:11) and why it matters is to serve as a sobering reminder that each of us will give an account before God for our life one day (4:13).

Before you think, “God is not very merciful if he cannot forgive my disobedience” I’d love to point you to where we started today. God brings Israel into the Promised Land. The people who chose to believe in God entered rest. This is mercy. We are not perfect and therefore fall short under the Law of Moses. But the story does not end there. God sent his son Jesus to earth to save us from our sin. Jesus is better Moses. Through the salvation Jesus offers to you and me, we can be made perfect because the blood of Jesus washes us clean. Choosing the path of belief in God leads to rest. This is good news.

Question: What is one consistent behavior in your day or week that contributes to your belief in God? (Maybe you are in burnout where less is more, or maybe you are wandering in need of consistency.)