Striving, Resting, and the Word
(For a version of this devotion that is easier to print, follow this link.)
On Sunday we focused in part on Hebrews 4:11:
Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.
We noted the paradox of this verse: We are to work real hard to rest. And we showed that this does not mean, “Work read hard NOW to rest IN THE FUTURE.” Psalm 23 and Matthew 11:28-30 clearly show we are to be resting now, while we are working. Our rest in Christ is, instead, similar to a runner – a Usain Bolt, a Ryan Hall – relaxing while running the race of his life. He is working hard – yet, other than the specific muscles required for running, he is completely relaxed. In the image of Matthew 11, we are yoked together with Jesus. He gives us rest – simultaneous with our taking up His yoke. His power does the labor, the pulling, as we are paired with Him.
The Hebrews passage clarifies further how we are both to strive to rest, and to rest while striving. The author writes:
11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest . . . 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
The word “for” links the command to how we live out the command. And there is only one way to depend actively on God: Through His Word.
How does the Word help us do this? (more…)