You could ask any one of my children what I would like as a gift for Father’s Day, and I think that – unless they are feeling contrarious that day – each would say that I would like a nap. Sunday afternoon naps are some of my regular times when I try to get some rest. (I also appreciate, though, that my children have learned to be much more respectful when I do so, as compared to their younger days when we had to ask them to play quietly!)
Hebrews 3:7-4:10 talk about entering God’s rest, including examples from the history of the Israelite people (which the original audience of the book of Hebrews would likely have known pretty well, already). In a way, Hebrews 4:11 sums up this section.
Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.
Hebrews 4:11 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/heb.4.11.NIV
While God’s rest that we can receive – including rest from our previous conviction for having sinned – is pretty amazing, our part of receiving that rest is belief. Just like God would take care of the Israelites in the wilderness, but they needed to believe, real belief produces evidence through obedience. Regrettably, the Israelites’ disobedience showed their lack of belief.
God’s rest is ready and waiting for us; our salvation is already paid for and good to go for eternity. So, let’s do whatever we can to claim that rest. While we don’t earn our salvation (Jesus having already taken care of all that), we do need to believe and remain in the faith in which we accepted that salvation, even when external forces try to pull us away, robbing us of our present blessings. I don’t know about you, but if I’m looking forward to getting some rest, and then have to stay up late or cancel a nap unexpectedly, I can get pretty grouchy. Imagine how much more frustrated I am, though, when my reason for not getting my anticipated rest is my own fault!
So, don’t follow bad examples like the unbelieving Israelites shortly after the Exodus. Instead, follow good examples, like Christians who continue their whole lives living out their faith that Jesus paid for all their sins, and having Him as their Lord and their Savior. Let’s each claim God’s rest for ourselves, both today and for eternity. May we give up trying to earn a salvation that Jesus already paid for, and build our faith by trusting that He is preparing a place for us.
I also appreciate that the author of Hebrews says “us”. Hebrews mentioned earlier (see Hebrews 3:12-14) about encouraging others in the faith, and this call to remain faithful is a call for the community, so that we can all enter into God’s rest.
In fact, if you think about it, isn’t even evangelism to the lost simply telling others how they can enter God’s rest? And, when can unbelievers repent and turn back to God, receiving His rest? Today!
Each day, we get a new “Today”, but we don’t get it back. Let’s focus on “Today”, ask God for our “daily bread”, and make good use of it: not to just check a bunch of boxes, but to live in the confident belief that God’s promise of rest for us will be amazing!
From Sunday School lesson prepared for February 1, 2026
References:
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Hebrews, by Jim Girdwood and Peter Verkruyse. © 1997 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 