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Moses is honoured by being compared in his faithfulness, with the incomparable faithfulness of Christ. The faithfulness of Moses the servant of God, was great in leading Israel out of Egypt's bondage to the borders of the promised land. Greater still is the faithfulness of Jesus, far superior to Moses in the following respects:-
"In relation to God's household, Moses was never more than a member of the family, but Christ was the architect who built the family (Hebrews 3:3 ). In relation to role, Moses was an important servant, but Jesus was the Son and heir. In relation to ministry, Moses spoke of what would happen; Jesus was the future he foresaw. In every way Jesus was superior as a human being to Moses, the towering figure most honored in Judaism." Richards. The Bible Readers Companion. Victors Books
Do not measure your faithfulness by the standards of others. Acknowledge your indebtedness to the obedient faithfulness of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:8 ) even to the point of death. He is our example and as our risen, living, great High Priest, is our enabler.
Hebrews 3:7 "Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: ..." (NKJV)
The "therefore" includes all that has already been said and what is about to be said. There is emphasis on the Holy Spirit being the author of Scripture. Psalm 95:7-11 are stated to be the Holy Spirit speaking. Bear this truth in mind so that when you read the Word you listen carefully to what the Holy Spirit has to say.
The word "today" appears three times within nine verses (Hebrews 3:7-15 ) not only making the warning urgent to sinners, but stressing the today relevance of what the Holy Spirit is saying.
God had been faithful to Israel over the forty years in the wilderness. His miraculous provision had never failed. Even when we have failed there will never be a time when we would be able to say the Lord was unfaithful (Hebrews 13:5 ). Moses had been faithful in his leadership in their behalf - yet Israel,
This is where our loyalty to the Lord often breaks down - in not remembering His miracles and works of goodness in our lives - and failure to wait on His word of direction and instruction. We should train ourselves to remember and wait for His word. Not to do so could lead to our murmuring, complaining, fault-finding that blames God without cause - that leads to open rebellion.
How could they enter His rest, being "astray in their heart" (Hebrews 3:10 NKJV) and not having heart knowledge of His ways?. The whole Exodus generation, except Joshua and Caleb, forfeited the peace and prosperity that God intended for them in entering the promised land. Far worse, they failed to enter into God's rest. God has rest in His own good and perfect work. Remember, that which is not of faith, is sin (Romans 14:23 ). Sin's restlessness is expressed in distrust, murmuring, and rebellion. Rest is an inner experience of peace issuing from knowing that you are where God wants you to be, and that you are doing what He wants you to do. Unbelief excludes from God's rest. Faith obeys and the fruit of righteousness is peace (Isaiah 32:17 ).
QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTIONWhen you read the Word of God do you listen carefully to what the Holy Spirit is saying (Hebrews 3:7 )? What has He said to you today?
Do you think it possible to forget God's works and fail to wait for His direction and instructions (Hebrews 3:8-9; Psalm 106:13 )?
What does it mean to enter into God's rest (Hebrews 3:11 )? What is it that excludes people from God's rest?