“Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest…….” (Heb. 4:11a).

           Hebrews chapter 4 contains great teaching about living out of Sabbath rest.  Abundant life TODAY. What does that look like?   How does it happen?   For sure, it  doesn’t happen by accident.  
It  means getting a rhythm that includes a day of Sabbath rest. For me,that involves the Bible.   Hebrews 4:12 is in the context of Sabbath…… “For the word of God is alive and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit……”  (Heb. 4:12a). 
            I had an opportunity to enjoy a day of rest on the opening day of Pennsylvania deer season.   I spent the day in a tree stand, reading God’s word, enjoying the view, and praying.   I found myself easily distracted by all the shooting around me.  Every time I heard a rifle shot, I was tempted to climb down out of my stand and go investigate.  
            That also happens  in other settings for me.   My curiosity can get me heading toward where I perceive God to be working.  Yet, it is often better to stay put and just enjoy the present situation where God has me.    I sensed the need to stay put in the tree stand and enjoy the day of Sabbath where I was, declaring “here I am” with the One who is.     
             My tree stand lesson was to relax and enjoy God in the here and now.   Sabbath also means living out of rest as we practice His presence, Today.  “Today” is a recurring word in Hebrews 3 and 4.   “Today if you hear his voice….”  (Heb. 3:7b, Heb. 3:15, Heb. 4:7);  “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today.’”  (Heb. 3:13);  “God again set a certain day, calling it ‘Today’”  (Heb. 4:7a). 
            I’m reflecting on these things today.  Sabbath rest is about establishing a rhythm which enables us to live out of rest.  It also means practicing His presence in the here and now.   It means showing up, knowing that God already has, and practicing His presence by being all there.