“Rest can become elusive and rare without continuing to trust in and follow Jesus.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 7, 2023
For we which have believed do enter into rest. Hebrews 4:3, KJV
Many people are tired. Tired of conflict. Tired of work. Tired of religion. Tired of politics. Exhaustion and fatigue seem to be epidemic in a modern culture that has more than enough amenities to provide rest: comfortable homes, outdoor experiences and loving relationships. Sadly, many people are time impoverished, without margin, unable to invest time to rest. They are unable to give themselves permission to rest for fear of…missing out, not being approved of, or driven to gain something: money, status, acceptance. If you are tired, Jesus invites you to rest.
The writer of Hebrews is very clear: when you placed your faith in Jesus Christ you entered into rest. A rest that can become elusive and rare without continuing to trust in and follow Jesus. Success addicts sometimes quip, “I’ll rest when I get to heaven,” true, but without enjoying rest on earth, fewer unbelievers will see in our lives the Jesus who says, “I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens.” He who commemorated rest after His work of creation is the Lord of the sabbath, who expects His child to regularly rest.
“For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief” (Hebrews 4:10-11, KJV).
Labor not to labor is necessary for thorough rest. Which means taking the time to plan time away from work…to work at resting well takes a concerted effort. Structure the calendar in a way that trusts others to take care of the work while you are away. Preparation becomes a pleasure, which grows into anticipation for rest and renewal. It’s life-giving. God rested and said His creation was good, while Jesus when His work on the cross was complete, exclaimed, “It is finished”—then He rested. In a similar manner, celebrate your work as good and embrace your reward of rest.
The best rest comes to believers who trust work will be there when they return. No need to break your back with overwork, which can be an expression of unbelief. Trust that the Lord can accomplish more with His Spirit at work than you can in months of striving. He can open doors of opportunity you cannot budge. He can slam shut dead end doors to save you time. Rest. Enjoy God in His creation. Charles Spurgeon describes the peace and calm of creation, “But get away into the woods, traverse the wilds of nature, and see how restful everything is there. Note how the birds seem to have little else to do but to sing God’s praises, mark how the very brooks warble as they flow, and how all creation that is untouched by man appears to delight in a deep, profound calm and peace.” Most of all, meet with gentle Jesus and enjoy rest for your souls!
“Come to me and I will give you rest—all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke—for it fits perfectly—and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens” (Matthew 11:28-29, TLB).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the faith and patience to enter into regular rest with you, and with those I love, through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
As an act of faith, what time can I block off on my calendar to rest and reflect?
Related Reading
Leviticus 23:3; Psalm 62:1, 5; Isaiah 30:15; Revelation 14:13
Worship Resource
Kari Jobe: Rest
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