I find it captivating this morning that, in a portion of Scripture concerned with “entering rest”, that it would speak of a sword. That in an exhortation to “be diligent to enter that rest” it would also portray being pierced and “divided asunder” (AV). One seems related to another . . . that, apart from some slicing and dicing with a razor-edged sword, true rest will be elusive. Such is my observation from reading Hebrews 4 this morning.

That there is rest available is evident from Hebrews 4 . . . “a promise remains of entering His rest” (4:1) . . . “we who have believed do enter that rest” (4:3) . . . “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself ceased from his works as God did from His.” (4:9-10) . . . “Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest” (4:11). It’s presented . . . it’s defined . . . and I’m told to make every effort to enter that rest.

Kind of makes you wonder why the writer would have to do such a “hard sell” on such an inviting “product.” Who wouldn’t want to come in out of the storm? Who would turn down the offer of a calming of the winds . . . of a bit of R&R . . . of a place where the work’s finished and what’s left is for it to be enjoyed? Who wouldn’t want to enter safe harbor? Some, I guess . . . maybe me, too?

First, there are those who don’t really believe that such a rest exists . . . having not mixed faith with the gospel message (4:2) . . . rejecting grace and relying, instead, on their best efforts. Then, there are those who do not enter “because of disobedience” (4:6) . . . determined to do it their way . . . rejecting God’s way . . . the Bible says, “No way!” . . . rest won’t be found that way. Enter the Word of God . . . enter the sword . . .

The Word of God is living and powerful (4:12). More than ancient words on a page, the Word possesses a vigor and dynamic that interacts with there very soul and spirit of men and women. It is powerful as it is wielded by the Spirit of God like a double-edged sword . . . not a pocket knife, but also not some heavy, cumbersome, hard to swing chunk of iron. Rather, it is a small sword . . . a large knife . . . used for cutting stuff up . . . or, in this case, for “piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow.” It goes deep . . . it opens up wide . . . laying on the table the thoughts and intents of the heart . . . leaving nothing hidden, but opening up all things to the “eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (4:13). And it’s when we’ve been there . . . under the scalpel of the Holy Scriptures . . . that I think we’re ready to enter His rest.

The word reveals my pride as I think I can make it on my own . . . “Thanx for salvation, Lord . . . I’ll take it from here . . . I’ll run my life . . . I’ll work hard at achieving my dreams” . . . no rest. The sword cuts open my rebellion as I pick and choose how I want to follow . . . obedient here . . . less obedient there . . . skip that one altogether . . . but, when it’s all averaged out, I’ll do ok on the grading curve . . . “mostly well done, good and kinda’ faithful servant” . . . no rest. The word reveals my independence . . . my belief that if I don’t make it happen, it ain’t gonna happen . . . my inclination to “take the wheel” and ask Jesus to come along for the ride and bless . . . “my will be done, my objectives come, on earth as it is . . . on earth” . . . uh, no rest.

And when the mighty sword of God does its work . . . when the word of God has revealed the workings of my heart . . . when I see what He sees, the striving, the pride, the self-determination . . . then I’m ready to enter His rest. The need is clear . . . the folly is evident . . . and I’m reminded that I have a “great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God” . . . One who sympathizes with my weakness and died for my foolishness . . . who was tempted as I am, yet without sin . . . who bids me to come, through Him, boldly to the throne of grace . . . and there, find mercy, . . . find grace, . . . find help in time of need (4:14-16). And yes, find blessed rest.

Thank God for the sword . . . thank God for safe harbor . . . amen?