January 13, 2026

“For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.” heb 4:2 nkjv   It is a most profound thing to really understand what the writer of Hebrews is saying here… think about it; here “us” is the new era [post Calvary] believers the writer is comparing to, “them,” being the children of Israel on their Exodus wanderings in the wilderness. How do you think he could call the “gospel” preached to us and them as one in the same?

Well, the truth of Yahweh’s Word, “then and now” is the same. For example, Yeshua [Jesus] the same yesterday, today, and forever. Heb 13:8  The Torah Word [same truth as Yeshua/Jesus in the flesh] was given to them early in their journey. I think the mystery is why they did not have “faith mixed with what they heard.” Personally, I think part of it could be because that the ministry of the Holy Spirit was “then” mainly manifested in a limited number of certain people, whereas now, it is a universal gift available to all persons that invite Yeshua’s presence into their priorities. And Moses also rebuked them for their stiff-necked and hard hearted rebellious ways. 400 plus years in pagan Egypt took its toll on them as well.

Yeshua told his disciples that when the Holy Spirit comes, He the spirit of truth, will lead them into all truth. Jn 16:13   Faith and truth cannot be separated, yet people do not always choose to follow truth. I believe that truth is a fixed, unchanging and unmovable absolute, that represents Yahweh’s nature, righteousness, and justice, and is the substance of His Word. On the other hand, faith is exercised within one’s heart when hearing the truth [Word] and joining into covenant with it… The Bible tells us that one of the only two Exodus “survivors” (them over 20 years old) was Caleb, [Joshua was the other one] about whom the Bible also tells us this:

“But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it.” num 14:24 nkjv

Now allow me if you will, a suggestion concerning how the Bible, I think, shows us two parallel examples, the first being the Exodus people, (following Moses, a type of savior) and the second being post-Calvary people who have Yeshua (our savior) to follow. The Exodus people we can define as a “physical” example and Yeshua followers as a “spiritual” example. I propose Yahweh gave us a perfectly choreographed “show and tell” in the most specific detail and in the most simple examples that only one mentally impaired could miss if they were paying attention. Egypt was a type of bondage [enslavement]; for us, worldly sin and pagan lifestyle is a type of bondage [enslavement]. Therefore, because of “their failures,” we should learn and know how to act faithfully if we confess to be believers. And certainly we have the Holy Spirit as our guide, if we are listening. The “gospel” given to them [and to us] is the same… Consider the meaning [for you to decide] what this scripture says and how it relates to both these examples above:

“Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” heb 4:11-13 nkjv

As a side note, notice here this “no creature hidden from His sight,” should be a comfort to the truthful heart… it keeps us from thinking we can hide our “discrete” naughtiness, which if one does so, he will not have peace until he purges it out of his life… for we will be giving account on that day.

Let us hear the words of the Psalmist:

Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.
7 For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture,
And the sheep of His hand.
Today, if you will hear His voice:
8 “Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion,
As in the day of trial in the wilderness,
9 When your fathers tested Me;
They tried Me, though they saw My work.
10 For forty years I was grieved with that generation,
And said, ‘It is a people who go astray in their hearts,
And they do not know My ways.’
11 So I swore in My wrath,
‘They shall not enter My rest.’ ”

Remember the title scripture… “The Lord tests the righteous, But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.” ps 11:5 nkjv   Has it ever occurred to you that life and lifestyle is a test…? Let us seek His ways that we can enter into His rest.

Shalom, John