Think of a good leader and how they’ve influenced you.
What has good leadership done for you?
We need good leaderships. There are certain things only a good leader can do. A good leader can motivate, inspire, help you grow, unify, and even help win your battles. We try to find these things in all kinds of political, spiritual, racial, intellectual, and familial leaders. The best thing a leader can do is give you rest.
A LEADER GIVES YOU REST
From the beginning of time God has sought for mankind to find their rest (peace) in Him. Yet, in Hebrews 4 we find a clear pattern of behavior that has been pervasive throughout history. (Read: Hebrews 4 )
The First Promise of Rest (Gen. 2:2)
The story of Adam and Eve is the origin of all human conflict with God. In Hebrews we find a reference to the seventh day of creation when God rested. That rest was not for He alone. Rest was for all creation. In Adam and Eve’s decision to disobey God and eat the fruit they sent all creation in a tailspin of unrest. God’s gift of rest was thrown in the recycling bin.
The Second Promise of Rest (Moses / Joshua)
Now that sin had fully infected mankind, every attempt at freeing mankind from the chains of slavery, discontent, poverty, and anxiety were blocked by self. God’s promise of a land that would provide all their needs was not enough to ignite obedience in the lives of his people. The Promise Land ultimately became just another personal achievement. They did not listen to God and thought they had a better way to enter into God’s rest. The Promise Land of God disappeared. (Read through these two chapters looking for warnings and disobedience Joshua 24: 1-28 /Judges 1: 1-36)
The Third Promise of Rest (King David’ Day)
Despite God’s desire for his people to live without an earthly King, he made a way for them to have an earthly king that would point them to their Heavenly King. Through all the conflict, repentance, encouragement, and dedication to lead God’s people to God, they never completely took their eyes off the things of the world. They substituted God’s rest for personal achievement and independence.
The Fourth Promise of Rest (Christ)
When the fullness of time had past, God desired it was time to make a way for mankind to have God’s rest by sacrificing himself through Christ. Many have turned from their sin, found hope, meaning, and purpose, but how many Christians have truly found God’s rest in and through Christ?
GOD’S CONDITIONAL PLAN FOR REST
Like most of God’s commitments to mankind, his rest is conditional upon our response. If we surrender our rights, ways, desires and allow Christ to reshape us in the image of God we will find His rest. At the closing of Hebrews 4 we are reminded of God’s judgement of disobedience and mercy toward surrender.
Consequence: God’s Reckoning
“For the word (reckoning) 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 4:12-13 NIV
Promise: The Rest of God
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV
APPLICATION
What does this tell us about God?
What does this tell us about man?
Is there a command to obey?
Is their an example to follow?
What is God asking of you in relation to what you’ve read?
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