Apples of Gold

There is something comforting about going home. After a hard day the call of a comfy couch, a cup of warm tea and possibly a cozy blanket lures many weary souls, looking for some downtime. Paul describes a rest that is promised to those who believe and obey God.

So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall. Hebrews 4:9-11

The unpredicatability of day to day life can toss us around like a small child riding the Tilt-A-Whirl at a State Fair. The only guaranteed constancy is found in the character of God and in the written Word. 

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. Hebrews 4:12-13

The Bible is such a versatile and powerful book. At times it drives me to my knees, crying out for help to align my heart and mind with it’s words. Sometimes it brings great peace, or direction. In my darkest days I find myself holding it close to my heart, drawing comfort from the words God ordained for us to learn about him and his ways, and the relationship he desires to have with us. 

As followers of Jesus we have all experienced the two-edged sword cutting away at our weakness, while simultaneously beckoning our wounded hearts to draw close so that he can bring healing. Sometimes the arrow exposes our innermost thoughts with such accuracy that we find ourselves astounded and humbled. What a gift the Word of God is to us. 

Paul gives us a sobering reminder quoting the words of David:

Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts. Hebrews 4:7

Although we are accountable to God, we are called to voluntarily submit our hearts, minds and our very lives to the Word of God. Sometimes this can be quite painful. Whenever glass is shattered in our home I know that it is just a matter of time before a tiny, invisible piece will end up in the bottom of my foot. The initial pain is a tell-tale sign that I need to stop and remove the glass as soon as possible. Sometimes it is on the surface of my skin and easy to grab but there are times when the end has gone in deep enough that it requires a needle and the assistance of someone who has an unobstructed view and isn’t already wincing from the  inevitable pain that digging around will bring. 

Just as pretending the shard of glass isn’t there will not make walking any easier, so postponing the inevitable meet and greet with God only prolongs our heartache. When the written Word exposes a limp in our step how glorious it is that the Living Word is exactly where we need to go:

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:14-16

I am so thankful that Jesus provides a safe and secure place to go in the good times and in the bad. An all-powerful and perfect God who actually, thoroughly, understands our weaknesses and responds with compassion is mind-blowing. Our struggles often leave us feeling ashamed to approach a Holy God but Paul tells us that even in our mess we are to approach God’s throne boldly, expecting grace and mercy rather than judgment and condemnation. 

If your life is anything like mine, and I suspect it is, rest and comfort are high on the list of necessities as a reprieve from the battle is required if I desire to continue walking forward with my faith intact. Spending time in the written Word and with the Living Word is the prescription for restoration and recovery. 

As we enter one of the busiest seasons of the year we would do well to prioritize the rest that only comes from dwelling in the presence of our King.