DCLM Daily Manna 2024: DCLM Daily Manna 3 December 2024: Grave Not the Promised Rest
Text: Hebrews 4:1-11 (KJV)
1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein*, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
KEY VERSE: Hebrews 4:1
“Let us therefore fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.”
Reuters news service once reported that an American widow is selling her husband’s burial spot directly above film legend Marilyn Monroe, who died at the age of 36 in 1962, so that she can pay off her mortgage. Elsie Poncher advertised on eBay in August 2009 to auction off the tomb in Westwood Village Memorial Park, Los Angeles. “Here is a once-in-a-lifetime and into eternity opportunity to spend your eternal days directly above Marilyn Monroe,” says the advertisement. “The person occupying the address right now looks face down on her.” Bidding for the plot opened at $500,000 and had reached $2.5 million by the day this was reported.
Mentioned eight times in the short passage of Hebrews 4:1-11, the word ‘rest’ emphasises the eternal rest with God. Looking back at the disappointing end the unbelieving Israelites experienced in the wilderness, the inspired writer warned against following their steps.
There are five kinds of rest in the Scriptures: creation rest, broken by sin (Genesis 2:2); Redemption rest, secured in Christ (Zephaniah 3:17); the sinner’s rest, by coming to Christ (Matthew 11:28); the saint’s rest in communion with Christ (Mark 6:30); and the Paradise rest, in heaven (Revelation 16:13) and (2 Corinthians 5:1-8).
Rest is not found in the grave. Some people pay a fortune to give their loved ones a “befitting burial.” Others go to the extent of purchasing expensive air-conditioned caskets with Wi-Fi services. While the undertakers smile to the bank, those who put so much value on the grave will soon discover that there is no rest without respite in Christ, obtained through repentance.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
The promised rest is in heaven, not in the grave.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Isaiah 5-8
Daily Manna 3 December 2024
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