“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.”
Hebrews 4:9-11
Labor Day is a day when we celebrate the contributions of the American worker to our society. We get the day off work, but do we rest? Do we even know what rest is anymore? Throughout the Bible God instructs his people to rest on a regular basis. In the Old Testament every seven years even the fields got to rest – this was done to keep the soil healthy, so crops would be good. We need to rest to we will be healthy, so we can do the things we are being called to and do them well.
We are made to reflect the image of Jesus Christ and to do that we must do the things He did – and He rested. In Mark we read that Jesus said to his disciples “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31). In today’s passage the writer tells us we need to set an example for others by resting. How are you doing at setting an example of rest?
Take time this week to really rest and to allow God to restore you so you can really accomplish the things He has for you to do. Be an example to those around you. Have a simple meal, be still and quiet before the Lord, take a nap – whatever you do rest. Your health will thank you for it and God will bless you because of it.
A prayer
Father – Thank you for building into Your plan for living well, the need to rest. Show us what it really means to rest and be restored under your yoke. Help us to follow the example set by Your Son and may we in so doing be still and know You are God. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment