Is it luck or is it location? Why do some places spared from storms and disasters? It is neither luck nor location, it is the Lord! There is a rest that is greater than a rest from storms and disasters.

1 – The meaning of this rest

Is it not strange that God often finds faith in the most unlikely people, in the most unlikely places? We have in our story a heathen Canaanite believing God. In fact, Rahab becomes a model of faith. After hearing bits and pieces of what Israel’s God was doing, Rahab became convinced in her mind that Jehovah God was the only true and living God. (Joshua 2:11) Her faith may have been simple but she responded to the word that she received.

True faith, whether primitive or perfect, has to have something to stand on. Paul said, “Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” You don’t have to be a theologian to find God. Rahab heard of the marvellous wonders wrought by Jehovah. She became convinced in her heart this was the God she wanted to worship. Further, she fully believed that God would destroy the city of Jericho and she acted on what she believed. Simple Faith!

• It is a ceasing from work – The labour or exertion is over.
• A freedom from worry. You can sleep when you have no worries. This is a peace that is not broken by war.
• A secure and settled state. You are fixed and established. You are not tossed by every wind of doctrine.
• A perfect confidence. There is confidence in the Almighty God.
• To lean on. You can lean on the Heavenly Father. When you lean on a wall you want it to support you. Your Heavenly Father will never let you down.

God wants you to rest with Him. Not everybody can rest in peace.

2 – A salvation rest (vs. 1-2)

Many of the Hebrews thought it was too late to be saved. This passage is written to let them know that this rest is for them. See Hebrews 4:9. You can rest in salvation. It does not matter what kind of life you used to live. It is a rest of forgiveness. You need to mix faith with the Word that you hear to have salvation. The Word of God won’t do you any good if you don’t take it in and use it. You have to embrace your salvation with faith. If we stand on the promises of God we will be able to stand with confidence against the storms of life. God will take care of you!

3 – A sanctification rest (vs. 3-8)

Sanctification is where God takes the world out of you and more of Jesus into you! When this happens you enter into a sanctified rest. It is a process of growth. When God created he rested with a rest of satisfaction on the seventh day. Some people have been Christian for years but have never grown up in the Lord. They never entered into a rest of satisfaction. See Philippians 4:11. Can you say that you have entered in to this rest? Are you saved and satisfied? Paul had to learn this sanctification rest and so we can learn it to.

4 – A sufficient rest (vs. 9)

There is another rest out there in the future. Jesus rested at the right hand of the Father when He had made payment for our sins. There is an eternal rest coming for the people of God. See 2 Corinthians 4:15-16. On the outside we are wasting away. Face cream will work for a little while! The older we get the more we waste away. Inwardly we are getting younger every day. Our troubles are but for a moment compared to the rest that awaits the child of God.

This earthly tent is being destroyed but we have a heavenly home that cannot be destroyed. There will be no more old age in Heaven. We can’t stop the aging of our bodies. Our bodies are tired and need to sleep. We are dying. One day we will not be going to any more funerals. There will be no more crying and death. God has a rest for the believer in Heaven. We can enjoy God’s rest now. Praise God and be happy in Jesus today.

Categories: Hebrews