A Rest For The People Of God

Going on holiday is often a source of rest for many people. They are something that we long for ­after many months of hard work. Each week we need a time of rest too. Yesterday we spoke of God’s rest on the seventh day when he completed the work of creation. That set a pattern for us that is worth keeping. In the midst of our busy lives each week, it is good to take a day to rest from our work, to take time to worship and honour God and to share with others.

In scripture, the book of Hebrews points out that the promise to enter God’s rest still stands. So, for all of us, this remains something to strive for and long for. Hebrews notes that some of God’s people hardened their hearts and refused to trust in God, they did not enter his rest. Nevertheless, the promise of entering God’s rest is still there.

Today, the promise of an eternal sabbath is for everyone who believes in the good news of Jesus Christ. Entering God’s rest is something we may long for and desire. It is even something we can begin to enjoy weekly in Christ, and we are promised that it will be complete when Jesus comes again. This is not a call to stop all activity. Instead, it is a call to continue believing in Christ, knowing that through him we will enter God’s promised rest and live with him forever.

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. (Hebrews 4:9-10).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, help us to find true rest in you now each week so we can enjoy the eternal rest when you return, in Christ’ name, Amen.