Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. Hebrews 4:11
The words “labor” and “rest” aren’t typically associated with one another. Most would consider them two extremes, but the writer of Hebrews used these words together to make a life changing point. The word “labour” in Hebrew is the word spoudazō and it means to hasten, make haste and to be diligent.
So what exactly is the writer hoping we understand? Simply that we are to be quick to “rest” in the finished work of Jesus. We are to cease from our labor and put our full trust in Him. Check out this same verse, Hebrews 4:11, in the Amplified Version: “Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest [of God, to know and experience it for ourselves], so that no one will fall by following the same example of disobedience [as those who died in the wilderness].”
He associates those who do not put their full trust in Jesus with the children of Israel who did not enter the Promised Land because of their unbelief. They failed to believe that the same God who brought them out of Egypt, opened the Red Sea for them to cross on dry ground, and drowned the Egyptian army, could protect them and give them victory in the Promised Land.
At first thought, one could ask, “How could they be so silly as to not believe in a God who had done all of those things for them?” But have you ever faced a situation, similar to something you’ve come through before, and found yourself pausing at the “riverbank of doubt,” allowing your uncertainties to keep you from stepping through into what He had for you?
I know I have. There are times I find myself repeatedly full of doubt over the same things. That’s not the way it should be. Our “labor” and focus should be on resting in His promises, His care, His provision, and His track record of coming through for us.
This Labor Day Weekend take a moment and remind yourself of all the great things He has done for you, and then rest in the promise that He’ll do it again.