Hebrews 4

Hebrews 4 has several items that really stood out to me.
First of all this whole discussion on the "rest" of God and entering into that rest.  That rest is a blessing to have because those who were disobedient were prevented from entering that rest.  If it weren't something great, then this prevention wouldn't be a bad thing.  The writer of Hebrews compares this rest to Joshua bringing God's people into the promised land but says that this wasn't the rest being spoken of.  The fact that some would compare to the promised land gives a hint about what the "rest" may be like.  A place of blessing, a new home, a place free from war, a place.  Normally I wouldn't think of "rest" referring to a place, but is isn't just the place but the fact that it is "our" place, free from worry, full of God's provision.  This makes the "rest" sound a lot like heaven.  He ends the discussion with an exhortation in verse 11: "Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience."  There is effort that needs to me made, but the reward is great and the reward is rest.

Verses 12-13 are ones worth memorizing:  "For the word of God is living 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."  So the first question is: What is the "word of God" being spoken about?  Is it 1) the scripture 2) Jesus 3) The Holy Spirit?  In Ephesians 6 Paul talks about the sword of the spirit which is the word of God.  This is certainly partially scripture as we see Jesus using scripture as a sword in Matthew 4 when he is being tempted by the devil.  You could say in that example that it is scripture being properly used by the Spirit to defend, expose and uncover since Satan used scripture as well but wrongly.  In this context the "living and active" could be applied to scripture in this active context, but it seems that there is the necessary active role of the Holy Spirit because of the "nothing...hidden from God's sight".  While Jesus is described as the "word" in John 1 and elsewhere, here the context "sharper than any double-edged sword" would more describe Jesus' words used by the Spirit than Jesus himself.  In Revelation 19:15 Jesus is described as having a double-edged sword coming out of his mouth.  So here again this wouldn't be a reference to Jesus, but to his powerful words (Heb 1:3) being empowered by his Spirit.

Finally verses 15 and 16 are very powerful: "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 was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."  Again the focus is on Christ, our high priest, who can sympathize with us.  He was tempted in every way we are - an amazing thought!  Yet was without sin.  This is a powerful testification to his perfect life, and it also tells us that to be tempted is not to sin.  Sin comes when we join with and go along with the temptation.  This is important to know for our consciences.
Also then knowing that we have the priveledge to approach God's throne, but note 1) it is a throne of grace - that is kindness, mercy and forgiveness 2) we can approach boldly, not with head and shoulders weighed down in guilt but with head raised, knowing that Jesus loves us, is our high priest and that he is working on our behalf.  This bold approach to the throne gains us mercy and grace.  If we hold back and don't go to the throne of grace, we can miss out because it says "let us approach...so that we may receive..."
Wow!  There is a lot here!  Help me Lord Jesus to know your love and mercy and approach you boldly since you call me to come.  I want to come; help me to come daily to you!