HEAR HIS VOICE. Hebrews 3:7 The writer of Hebrews quoted Psalm 95:7-11 to warn Jewish believers about what happens when people's hearts are hardened toward God and His salvation. A generation of Israelites died in the wilderness because of their lack of faith in God’s word and promises. Moses was God’s spokesperson to them, and he had sent twelve men to spy out the land of Canaan. When they returned with a report of a good land, ten of the spies focused on the people of the land instead of God's promises. Caleb stood before Moses and said, “We are able.” He and Joshua were confident that when the Lord was with them, there was no reason to be afraid.
The Holy Spirit communicates God’s word to us, and He has already confirmed it to the Hebrew Christians through signs, wonders, and gifts. When we receive the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit makes us “partakers of the Holy Spirit," who bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. He dwells within us in the truth and ways of God through the written word of God.
The quotation from Psalm 95 highlights the superiority of our Lord Jesus Christ over Moses and serves as a warning to the Jews against disobedience and unbelief. This is underscored by the writer, who reminded them that God the Holy Spirit issued this warning. Jews both then and now admire the greatness of Moses—his faithfulness, virtues, life, and character.
It is essential that we remain faithful to God, who has brought us out of darkness and into “the kingdom of His dear Son.” Focus on being faithful rather than on the gifts and talents we have been given. When we have a work entrusted to us, do not let anything distract us from fulfilling the purpose God has for giving us the privilege of serving Him. The warnings given are serious because it is the Holy Spirit who indicates what went wrong. Unbelief is the “sin which does so easily beset us.”
When the Holy Spirit speaks to us, it is often with a voice of love and comfort. Sometimes, it comes with firm words of instruction and guidance. There are also occasions when His voice delivers words of warning and correction. A wise person trembles at these warnings and resolves not to leave any correction, change of mind and heart, or action undone that needs immediate attention. “Today,” now, is the acceptable time for action. Five times we read “Today,” in the book of Hebrews, emphasizing the urgency of each matter mentioned.
Chapters 3 and 4 are not just a recounting of history, but a charge to all who are “partakers of the heavenly calling,” to listen and respond to the Holy Spirit. Seven times in Hebrews the Holy Spirit is spoken of. Each time the Spirit points to the fact that God has spoken to us “in a Son,” or in His Son. The Spirit takes the things of Christ and reveals them unto us.
The Holy Spirit reminds believers that God lives in an eternal “Today” – an everlasting now. He exists in an endless life of “today” and communicates with us even though, by nature, we are creatures of a moment in time. The point is that believers have been given eternal life, and that life is available and sufficient at all times. His promises are for us now. He wants us to act in obedience and faith now.