In chapters 3 and 4, the author of Hebrews is calling the Christian community to persevere in their faith by using examples from the Old Testament. In chapter 3, he compares Jesus to Moses, saying that while Moses was faithful as a servant in God's house, Jesus is the faithful Son over God's household (3:5-6).
He then quotes Psalm 95, warning against having an unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God, like the Israelites in the wilderness (3:7-11). Their lack of faith prevented that generation from entering the promised rest in the land of Canaan.
Moving into chapter 4, the author says there still remains a promise of entering God's rest for believers today (4:1). However, the Word of God is living and active, able to judge our thoughts and intentions (4:12). We cannot hide an unbelieving heart from God.
The author points to Joshua leading Israel into the rest of the promised land. Yet this earthly rest foreshadowed the greater, eternal rest found in Christ (4:8-9). We must be diligent to enter that true, spiritual rest by faith and obedience. Christ alone opens the way.
So Hebrews 3 and 4 call Christians to persevere by faith like Jesus, the greater Moses. Unbelief shuts us out from God's presence and rest. But by faith in Christ's finished work, we can confidently enter into the true promised rest in the heavenly kingdom.
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