Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Hebrews 4:1-11 (NIV)
A Sabbath-Rest for the People of God
4 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed. 3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, “So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’” And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world. 4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.” 5 And again in the passage above, he says, “They shall never enter my rest.”
6 Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, 7 God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: “Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts.” 8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.
Choose one or two key verses from the Scripture reading in Hebrews today and do at least one of the following for your chosen verse(s).
A – Ask questions of the text (Who, what, why, where, when)
E – Emphasize certain words as you read the text over & over
I – In your own words (paraphrase one or more verses)
O – Other verses in the Bible that say the same or opposite
U – Use it; apply the truth from the text in your life
God, as You finished Your work, You then rested from it. You provide the same for those who believe in You. The rest that You give to us is one of grace, comfort, and holiness. You have declared that our rest is to be in You and that Your love is to be the only real happiness of our soul. Faith in Your promises through Jesus is the only way of entering that rest. Lord, I can begin to enjoy Your rest today. I believe in You and have faith in your promises. I ask that you soften my heart so that I can enjoy Your rest in this life and eternally. I look forward to that day when the eternal rest will glorify You in heaven forever. Amen