No Rest for the Rebel

Text: Hebrews 3:16-19

Theme: Rebellion and unbelief will keep us from God’s best.

Key verses: “And who was it who rebelled against God, even though they heard his voice? Wasn’t it the people Moses led out of Egypt? And who made God angry for forty years?…And to whom was God speaking when he took an oath that they would never enter his rest? Wasn’t it the people who disobeyed him? So we see that because of their unbelief they were not able to enter his rest” (v. 16-19).

What God said to me: Son, I take rebellion and disobedience very seriously among my chosen ones. I set Israel apart as a light to the nations; yet, they complained and disobeyed and rebelled for forty years in the wilderness. That trip could have taken them only days to make across the desert to the promised land. But instead, it took them many years. Why was that? I had to let those with rebellious hearts die off in the wilderness before I allowed them to enter the place I had for them. I have a place of rest for all of my children. The promised land for the Children of Israel was symbolic for another kind of resting place. So, what is this rest I promised to those obey me? Remember what you read from Matthew Henry about Psalm 95:11: “There is a rest ordained for believers, the rest of everlasting refreshment, begun in this life, and perfected in the life to come. This is the rest which God calls his rest.” When Jesus said he had come that you might have life and have it more abundantly, he was referring to the promised life of those who follow me. Dwayne, don’t wait until the “sweet by and by” for your joy and peace and spiritual rest. You can have all of that in this life. You don’t have to be years away from my promised rest for your soul. Hold on to my promises and follow me even during your wilderness of doubts and trials. Your abundant life and unending joy is just in sight! Never give up. Never ever give up. Just keep believing in me.

What I said to God: Father, what a privilege to know You and to love You each and every day. I am amazed at Your faithfulness to me and my family. Please forgive me when I disobey. I confess that at times I harden my heart, and plant  weeds of rebellion in my heart. It stems from my unbelief in Your promises, when I lose sight of how You will never leave me nor forsake me and how You always have our best interest in mind. You are our Shepherd, and we are the sheep of Your pasture. Please help me trust You today and obey everything You instruct me to do and think today.