Preparing for Christmas Advent Devotional 7
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Hebrews 4
4 Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. 2 For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.[a] 3 For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said,

“As I swore in my wrath,
‘They shall not enter my rest,’”

although his works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.” 5 And again in this passage he said,

“They shall not enter my rest.”

6 Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted,

“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts.”

8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God[b] would not have spoken of another day later on. 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 10 for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.

11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Jesus the Great High Priest

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

 

Advent Day #7
Gaylene Logue

 

Rest. Rest is mentioned in chapter 4, ten times. When I say that word it is usually followed by a sigh. Wouldn’t we all love to rest whenever we are tired whether it be physically or mentally? Hebrews 4 isn’t speaking about taking a nap or a good night's sleep. The writer is speaking of a believer's eternal rest. Now that brings totally different thoughts to my mind. That makes me close my eyes and try to imagine what eternal rest looks like. We are instructed in verse 11 to be diligent to enter that rest so that we won’t fall into disobedience. Some versions use "strive," while another version I like to read uses the word "diligent". The word diligent grabs my attention and means to be persistent in doing something. Be persistent in obeying the word of God. We must read it and know Jesus to learn how to obey. In our busyness, the holidays are oftentimes when we neglect taking care of that very important thing, abiding in Jesus - the very reason why we have Christmas. Being diligent by taking the time to read and meditate on the very living Word of God, will give our minds and our bodies the rest it needs at that moment. Obeying it gives us our eternal rest.

Pick up your Bible, feel its cool pages, let the word of God soothe your soul. Remember, we have a great high priest who understands and sympathizes with our every weakness and need. Approach the throne of grace, receive mercy and find grace to help in your time of need. King Jesus, your great high priest is there waiting for you. Let Him minister to you.

 

As you read and reflect on Colossians 2, ask yourself these questions:

  1. Rest. What does rest look like to you? What does it look like to God?
  2. What are some ways in which you can take time to rest this holiday season in the Lord?
  3. What kinds of things distract you from resting in Christ and his promises?
  4. What can you do to refocus your mind on the Lord and his goodness? 

 

Lord, please redirect my focus and thoughts towards you. I confess many ways in which I am being distracted by all sorts of things. Please provide me grace to stay in your rest, and enjoy you more than anything else this holiday season. Amen.

 

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