The Lord tells the people of Judah, “Stand where the roads cross, and look around. Ask where the old paths are. Ask for the good path, and walk on it. Then your hearts will find rest in me. But you said, ‘We won’t walk on it.’
“Israel, my power will be against the prophets who see false visions. Their magic tricks are lies. They will not be among the leaders of my people. They will not be listed in the records of Israel. In fact, they will not even enter the land. Then you will know that I am the Lord and King.
God promised that those people would never enjoy the rest he planned for them. God gave his word when he made that promise. Didn’t he make that promise to those who didn’t obey?
Now we who have believed enjoy that rest. God said, “When I was angry, I made a promise. I said, ‘They will never enjoy the rest I planned for them.’ ” (Psalm 95:11) Ever since God created the world, his works have been finished.
Then I heard a voice from heaven. “Write this,” it said. “Blessed are the dead who die as believers in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Holy Spirit. “They will rest from their labor. What they have done will not be forgotten.”