One of the hardest things about writing a sermon is deciding what to leave out. Sometimes it’s an interesting detail about the passage that’s more technical than necessary. Other times it’s a good story that just doesn’t fit quite right. Usually it’s a question of time. There’s just not time on a Sunday morning to say everything about a passage that deserves to be said.

Our passage on Sunday was Psalm 95 and I wanted to tell you how the New Testament uses that psalm as a model for what it’s like to follow Jesus today. If you stop and think about it, that makes sense, doesn’t it? Whether it’s under the old covenant or the new, one thing has always been true about faith. It takes perseverance. That means it shouldn’t come as a complete surprise that Hebrews 3-4 turn back to Psalm 95 when teaching us how to persevere.

So, what should we take away from how Hebrews applies Psalm 95?

1. Obedience still matters – Interpreting the warning, Hebrews 3:12 says, “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.” It’s a mistake to pit grace and obedience against each other. God’s grace doesn’t mean we live however we please. It means God forgives us when we fail to live as we should. He still loves us when we’re unlovable. He’s patient and kind when we should be wearing on his nerves. That grace doesn’t throw out obedience; it motivates us to obedience.

2. God still speaks – Hebrews 3:13 latches on to the word “Today” from Psalm 95:7: “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” God continues to speak to us today, not through burning bushes or inspired prophets, but through his Word. But notice how Hebrews applies the psalm. God also speaks through you. As you speak the truths of God’s Word to each other, God uses you to soften the hearts of your brothers and sisters and help one another persevere. Encourage one another today, so God might speak through you.

3. Rest is still coming – Hebrews 4:8-9 says, “For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.” The promised land was more than a zip code. It was the hope of rest and an end to the struggles that had marked Israel’s time in Egypt. But, as Hebrews points out, Joshua only sort-of led God’s people into rest. That’s because we needed the greater Joshua, Jesus Christ himself, to finally lead us into the rest our tired feet need. And it’s coming!

Church, persevere. Keep putting one foot in front of the next. Jesus is alive and he’s coming back. He’s coming again to make all things new and, when he does, we’ll finally get that rest we’re looking for. Don’t give up before the finish line. Don’t quit when the prize is within your grasp. Keep your eyes on Jesus and let your feet follow!