By Pastor Ronald Bernier, Master Builder MInistries, Fall River, MA
Three times in chapters 3 and 4 of Hebrews, the writer quotes from Psalm 95. Beginning with the word “today,” the idea is to hear, obey and orientate one’s life around the Word of God. The idea of today, emphasizes the characteristics of relevance, timeliness and newness. When we respond positively to the Lord’s direction “today,” by faith, we can experience His rest and peace.
The promise of God is always valid. His Word spans the ages. It is living and powerful (see Heb. 4:12-13). No one can hide from God’s Word. His message is clear, firm and sure (2 Tim. 3:16). When we respond in faith, the promise becomes a reality. The rest that the Lord promises is not inactivity, but a spiritual rest that is greater than an inheritance of land or buildings. Rest transcends the temporal and attains the eternal. Our Sabbath rest is a cessation of sinning and an awareness of being in God’s presence. It is an emblem of eternal rest.
Contrary to faith is unbelief. Unbelief leads to willful disobedience, which results in an inability to come to repentance, which leads to eternal condemnation. May we not be those who go astray in our hearts, having an “evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; and exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:12-13). Instead, may we “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). “Mercy” to find forgiveness for our past sins. “Grace” for the help in our present and future needs. Let us not put this off till tomorrow, let us do this TODAY!