Day 276 – The New is Greater Than the Old

Today’s reading for study: Hebrews 3

Chapter 3 of Hebrews is one of the more straightforward chapters.  The author makes the very reasonable and inarguable claim that Jesus' “house” is greater than Moses’ because a son is greater than a servant.  The author then points out that if we are faithful then we will enter into that house.  He points to the Exodus as a warning or cautionary tale.  For Moses took the Israelites out of Egypt under the will of God but the Israelites were unfaithful and therefore, they were not allowed to enter the “house” of the Promised Land.  This punishment is referred to by God:

So I swore in My anger, they will not enter My rest. Hebrews 4:3

So we see here that the Promised Land is referred to as God’s “rest”.  This will be important for the coming chapter as we will see that the term rest is used in many ways.  It means the promised land, physical rest particularly on the Sabbath, and eternal rest with God in heaven.

Finally, the author concludes with an admonition that they should, “encourage yourselves daily…”, so as not to fall into rebellion and unfaithfulness of heart as those at the Exodus did.

Tomorrow: Hebrews 4