The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

A FOREVER REST

Sabbath rest followed the model God established in creation, when, after creating the world in six days, he rested on the seventh day and called it holy. This rhythm of work and rest was built into the way God designed humanity to function and thrive. All believers are to give themselves to meaningful work that cares for and enhances God’s world in order to give him glory. Then, as an act of faith and trust, believers must rest, showing their dependence on God and finding satisfaction in intimacy with their Creator.

The hope of the promised land served as a picture of Sabbath rest. After enslavement in Egypt and an arduous journey in the wilderness, the people found rest in a land that was free from war and flowing with milk and honey. There they could dwell in safety and worship God rightly — or so they thought. The story of the nation of Israel proves that such rest was short-lived, at best. The people were never willing to drive out the inhabitants of the land completely, thus they were constantly facing the threat of enemy attacks. Their inconsistent obedience meant that the judgment of God was never far off. The hope of rest remained, but it likely seemed like a long-forgotten dream.

The author of Hebrews reminded a scattered church, long after Israel’s failure and exile, that the hope of rest still stands (Heb 4). This time, however, the promise of rest is not found in a day of the week or a location on a map. Instead, the promise of rest is found by being united with Christ, free from the tyranny of sin. This rest frees humanity from the laborious and impossible process of trying to secure God’s blessing by means of their righteous deeds. Since Christ has fulfilled the law for his people and given them his righteousness through faith, they can rest, knowing that the work is finished and their standing before God is secure. They can find rest at any time and at any place by coming to Christ whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light (Mt 11:30). In him, weary souls can find refreshment, and broken hearts can be made whole.

Jesus, in this fast-paced world, help me to remember where my hope belongs. Help me to rest in my relationship with you and in the freedom that relationship brings. Amen.