“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.” Hebrews 4:9-11
I think perhaps most everyone is familiar with the idea of the Sabbath, a day set aside to rest from our work and to enjoy God. The idea of the Sabbath-rest has been taken literally for thousands of years. Jesus scolded some of the pharisees for their legalistic ways, acting holy but refusing to help or heal someone on the Sabbath, because they considered it ‘work.’
But the true emphasis, according to God’s own Word, is not simply resting by sitting back and taking in a ballgame on TV. The Focus is on entering God’s rest. It is about entering and enjoying His presence. Think of a friend who has taken a break from work and invites you to enter his rest. What do you do? Go over to his house and drag him to some work project? No, you rest with Him. You enjoy each other’s company.
The Sabbath-rest is not just for one special day each week. God asks us to enter His rest each day. And not just to take a break from our chores and vocation. But to rest from our constant striving…striving toward self-centered goals, for seeking to please Him more by our works than by our worship, striving to be accepted when he says, “Child, you are mine; I love you already.”
Stop striving and enter into God’s rest as often as you want and need each day, not just on Sunday. Rest for a moment or for a season. Let your work reflect who you already are, In Christ, and who He is in you. Enjoy Him more today!
