Journal Heb 4 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
…Let us then, with confidence, draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Excerpts from Heb 4:11-16
Observation: There are directives and there are descriptors. Descriptors support the directives with imagery so dodo’s (like me) can “get it.”
Analysis: If I am supposed to rest in Christ, why then, are there statements that quite obviously indicate that I am supposed to expend effort and energy?
When journaling, this is the kind of stuff that I am supposed to scratch my noggin about and bother all the elders for answers and direction—if I can’t or won’t avail myself of standing on the shoulders of the saints now and before (old, dead guys).
Here are two precepts that I hold tightly to: God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility. Life is bound within these two concepts: God is sovereign over all creation, and I am not.
Further, God sees (perceives, is aware of) ALL things, and as the scripture above plainly indicates nothing is hidden from Him. Therefore, trying to hide ANYTHING from God is not only impossible, but also dumb.
That is why being fiercely transparent is a goal to strive for. Warning: It is difficult (read: very hard, strenuous), because indwelling sin wants to hide from being transparent. (again, check out Gen 3). There is a desire to make excuses, make concessions, to sidestep what I did versus the light of Godly illumination on the situation.
Why does the Holy Spirit shine a light on my sin? To make it obvious that I fall short (Ro 3:23) and not make that verse just something I say (a wall hanging verse), but so that I am reminded day after day that I need mercy; I need a Savior.
Therefore, the two exertion snips: STRIVE, and DRAW NEAR TO THE THRONE OF GRACE. From the pair, God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility, salvation is all of God’s sovereignty. Man cannot earn one whit of salvation and avoid the justified Wrath of God.
But Man is responsible to draw near to the throne of Grace EVERY DAY.
Prayer: O Lord, there is so much to do. There is the pursuit of personal godliness and growing in knowing You; there is familial godly health because I am head of household; there is the health of the local church (the Jewel, the Bride, the testimony to all creation (c. Eph 3:10-11), and then the harvest.
Please strengthen me.
Amen.
Ricky Two Shoes