It takes effort to be at peace with ourselves, with our God, and with others.
That may be one reason the New Testament author of Hebrews encourages us to work to rest in the living Word of God.
Used to think that the reference to the Word of God as a two-edged sword referred only to the written word of truth. But I’ve been influenced by those who have encouraged me to look at the ideas leading into, and away from, the often quoted words of Hebrews 4:12.
A second look shows that when this text calls us to “the rest that remains for the people of God,” it quickly and maybe surprisingly moves from the “written” to “living word.”
If this is what is happening, it reflects the close relationship between the Spirit, what is written, and the resurrected Son of God. That would explain why the reference to the “two-edged sword” is followed immediately by the words, “There is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
So, in the case of Hebrews 4:9-16, sure looks to me like this text is urging us to work hard at seeing in and behind the written words of our Lord, God’s living revelation of himself, and the work that he has done for us.
Where else can we find rest for our souls? What, or who else, deserves as much attention, and effort, and patience, to keep our eyes on the only one who offers to give us his mercy, and his grace, in our time of need.
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