Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 4:11-13
The author of Hebrews mentions two types of rests that illustrate the spiritual experiences of believers today. The Sabbath rest is a picture of our rest in Christ through salvation. (Hebrews 4:3, Matt. 11:28) The Canaan rest is a picture of our rest as we claim our inheritance in Christ.
(Heb. 4:11-13) We enter the Sabbath rest by turning from our sins and asking Jesus Christ into our lives, but we must also make an effort to enter the rest of Canaan. The Israelites were told by God to enter the land of Cana.
The Canaanites were a pagan people, and God told the Israelites that He was giving them the land. The Israelites had to cross the Jordan River and face the battle of Jericho as they entered into the Promised Land.
They continued to have to battle the nations that occupied the land. But the victory of battle enabled them to push further and further into the inheritance that God had given them. At each place of victory, they made further inroads into the Promised Land and the victory brought them rest.
Are you at rest as a believer or do you stay very busy, both internally and externally? What does it mean to strive to enter God’s rest? God has given you His promises in His Word. You will need to read and meditate on His Word and fight to live in His Word. God will go before you to fight the battle, and as you enter into His promises, you will find the rest that He promises.
Heavenly Father,
You alone offer me rest – the rest of salvation and spending eternity with You, and the rest of Canaan where I enter into the promises in Your Word. Help me to fully enter into this rest.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
