In a world of ‘I, me and myself’ the words 'us, we, ourselves' may in fact appear foreign. The letter to the Hebrews is well known for this recurring phrase ‘let us’ which is recorded about twelve times.
'Let us' reminds us of community, togetherness and unity in God's people as a body, leaving aside every form of division including status and class.
We explore just four of these in the fourth chapter of Hebrews.
Let us fear (be careful)
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. Hebrews 4:1-2
The word ‘rest’ is found nine times in this chapter. Rest was something which was truly treasured by the children of Israel as they wandered in the wilderness for 40 odd years. It was the Lord God Almighty who kept them and preserved even their footwear, during these difficult times. We can surely identify ourselves as His people during these uncertain times.
However, there was murmuring and unbelief in the camp and the wrath of God was seen on several occasions.
[15] While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. [16] For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. [17] But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? [18] And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? [19] So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Hebrews 3
The warning is clear for the Jewish believers in this letter that they should ‘fear’ or be careful not to murmur as they are now in Christ, unlike their forefathers
who did not taste the sweetness of the gospel and the full release from the bondage of sin.
Let us labour
Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. Hebrews 4:11
The call is to be earnest and to make every effort to obey and keep the law of God with utmost diligence. The next verse gives us a graphic analogy of God’s word:
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:12-13
In short, verse 12 reminds us what the word of God is and verse 13 what the word of God does and can do. We must make every effort to have a systematic bible reading program and this can be done immediately.
My brother Jonathan gave me a book about Robert Murray McCheyne’s Bible Reading program about twelve years ago and I have been personally blessed and still use the schedule for my daily readings.
It is the word of God that points us to the God of the word.
Let us hold fast
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:14-15
The command was to hold fast or seize and retain our profession of faith or confession. The clear emphasis is on the very person of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Two titles which remind the believers of the humanity, supremacy and deity of the Lord Jesus. The High priest, which the Hebrew readers could easily identify with and Son of God. This glorious Name of 'Son of God' was of course rejected and despised by the Jewish leaders and ruling class. The clear message here is to hold fast. In other words, hold fast to 'Jesus only'.
Let us therefore come boldly
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
Thus far,
Let us Fear (Be Careful) is a clear WARNING for the church and the world at large.
Let us Labour is an ENCOURAGEMENT to move on.
Let us hold fast is a clear COMMANDMENT to focus on the Lord Jesus only, and finally,
Let us come boldly. This is an INVITATION to draw near to our Father God.
We can do this with full confidence, realising that the Lord Jesus is the mediator and high priest who has forgiven us and clothed us with His righteousness.
For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15
The situation that we see in the world today, is a reminder that we have never ever experienced this kind of need before. As His people we receive the command and encouragement together with the warning.
What a joy to know that the invitation is still open for all to draw near to this God of salvation through His son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Daniel James