Daily Reflections, Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Today's Scripture: Hebrews 4:1-2

Imagine being on the verge of cashing in on the opportunity of a life time—only to have it snatched away from you. This was the plight of the children of Israel. They had journeyed long and hard from the slavery of Egypt to the very edge of the Promised Land. It was so close they could touch and taste and feel it.

But a lack of faith in God kept them from enjoying what He’d desired them to have. We can look at that and think, "How could they?" But the writer of Hebrews says that believers can make this same mistake.

There are many Christians on their way to Heaven, yet they live in the wilderness. Sure, they go to church, they tithe, they share their faith, they even volunteer at church functions. But God has so much more for them.

In Hebrews, we’re told that God wants us to enter into His rest. What is His rest? It’s something deeper than surface Christianity. It’s an abiding sense of satisfaction and joy in Christ. It’s the peace of God that passes all understanding. It’s living on higher ground, above the daily nitty gritty of your circumstances.

God wants this for me. He wants it for you. But do we have the faith to pursue it? Will we commit ourselves fully to Him so He can lead us to that Promised Land?

Today's Quote:  Too many Christians are on their way to Heaven, but have missed the Promised Land of peace and rest God offers on this earth.—Dr. James A. Scudder