In time of need...

In Hebrews 3 and 4, the author challenges us to persevere and not be disobedient like the "faithless Exodus generation." The reason is because "there is still a rest for the people of God."

A rest. Big sigh of relief! Don't we all need a rest? We all need to be able to cease striving and know that our God is God! 

This rest is both here and now, and eternal. It is a peace, no matter what chaos is going on around us. It is a trust, because we know the One Who is Sovereign over the affairs of men.

Isn't that wonderful that we don't have to keep going and going on our own strength like the world around us? Their motto seems to be "Go until you drop!"

Continuing on in Hebrews 4, verse 11: "Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience [the Israelites in the exodus]. For the Word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."

So we are to be faithful, and persevere, unlike the Israelites who grumbled and complained at the first sight of trouble. And not only that, but the Word of God is illumining our hidden intentions and motives. We are completely bare before our God, who sees and knows everything about us. We can't lie to Him and pretend that we are 'okay.' He sees everything, and He is our Judge.

That is a formidable image! The One Who knows EVERY LITTLE THING about me, is the One who will judge my life. I have no chance! He sees the times that it looked like I was persevering, but inside was complaining. He sees the times that it looked like I was being faithful, but was doubting His Word.

But the verses go on..."Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, Who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and grace to help in time of need!"

Instead of us approaching expecting condemnation from the One who knows we deserve it, we have a great High Priest Who is seated at the right hand of God. He can empathize with our struggles, for He was tempted to sin just as we are, except that He never caved in.  He does not sit far above looking down on us...He came down to us! Became one of us!

And He is the One who speaks for us to the Father. 

Let us therefore come boldly! Let us draw near with confidence! Not only do we not have to fear condemnation, we can receive HELP.  "That we may obtain mercy and grace to help in time of need." 

This goes back to the beginning: we need help! We need rest!

But we are not alone in this. We have a great High Priest, who is interceding for us, with groanings that cannot be uttered.

"Let us therefore be dilligent"

"Let us hold fast"

"Let us come boldly"

"..that we may obtain mercy and grace to help in time of need." 

"For He who promises is Faithful!"