
January 19, 2025
“For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end"
- Hebrews 3: 14 (NKJV)
A hardened heart and an unbelieving heart that stir up the anger of God, are obstacles that prevent entry into God’s rest (Hebrews 3:7-11). God’s rest is when we refrain from work after it is completed, having peace with no enemies to contend with and possessing God’s promises. To enter God’s rest, we need to be disciplined against these obstacles.
The way to guard against the hardening of the heart from the deceitfulness of sin is to heed God’s voice and obey His Word (Hebrews 3:7-8a.). Regardless of the deceit (of sin), we have control. We are never helpless. We always have the opportunity and capacity to make the right choice anytime sin attempts to deceive us (1st Corinthians 10:13). From Joshua 24:15, we are reminded that there is always a choice and whichever choice we make in the moment, we become predisposed to making the same, or similar choices in future (Romans 6:16). By thinking ourselves dead to sin, and not using our bodies as instruments of sin, we avoid giving in to the deceit of sin (Romans 6:11, 13).
We enter God’s rest when we hold on to these things.
To overcome unbelief, we must learn about God and know His ways. We must study the Word of God on a regular basis, engrave it onto our hearts, that we might not stray from Him. David, before his passing, gave this advice to Solomon in 1 Chronicle 28:9 (NLT) “And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever”. When we know our God, we are strengthened to do exploits (Daniel 11:32).
The best way to deal with the anger of God is through the Blood. According to 1 John 2:2 (AMP), Jesus has satisfied the anger of God “And He [that same Jesus] is the propitiation for our sins [the atoning sacrifice that holds back the wrath of God that would otherwise be directed at us because of our sinful nature—our worldliness, our lifestyle]; and not for ours alone, but also for [the sins of all believers throughout] the whole world”. We are justified by Jesus’ blood before God and are saved from the wrath of God (Romans 5:8-9)
We enter God’s rest when we hold on to these things - studying and obeying God’s Word, getting to know His ways and heeding His voice. If we are yet to possess a promise of God, we are not at rest and may be wanting in obedience to the Word and/or knowledge of God. God’s anger is stirred against us. In earnest repentance, we plead the Blood of Jesus to sooth God’s anger. The Bible says we become partakers in Christ, possessing the promises of God, if we remain steadfast to the end (Hebrews 3:14).
Song of Worship
The Blood of Jesus sets me free
from sin and sorrow
The Blood of Jesus sets me free
Prayer - Dear God, I receive grace to heed your voice and obey your Word. I receive grace to study your Word to know You more. Let the Blood of Jesus save me from Your wrath in Jesus’ name, Amen.