By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Hebrews 3:18-19 "And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief."
The writer to the Hebrews labored to explain why the Israelites to whom God had promised a peaceful land, flowing with milk and honey, did not enter that rest. They disibeyed and didn’t have faith in God and His promises. The rest God has promised us is attached to our faith and obedience to Him. This makes us cease from our own limited abilities to have peaceful settlement in our endeavors.
As pointed out yesterday, this life has so much it throws at us. But once we have come to fully trust and obey God, He settles our hearts and minds in Himself. He takes care of the things that would make us restless. He guides our ways in activities that are fruitful. This is why the psalmist said he would not worry if an army besieged him or war broke out against him, or if all else he trusted gave way (psalm 27:3, 46:1-3).
Unbelief, doubt and disobedience will certainly drive you out of God and His protection. This leaves you openly vulnerable to all attacks of the evil one. But in simple trust and obedience in God is peaceful rest of our souls, regardless of the turmoils and fears of the external environment. That’s like a little child resting in the protective arms of a loving mum, whatever is happening around. Let’s purposefully do so. So beautifully did the song writer put it:
Trust and obey
For there is no other way
To be happy in Jesus
But to trust and obey
Hebrews 4:1-2 "Now, God has offered us the promise that we may receive that rest he spoke about. Let us take care, then, that none of you will be found to have failed to receive that promised rest. For we have heard the Good News, just as they did. They heard the message, but it did them no good, because when they heard it, they did not accept it with faith."
Shalom children of God