REST
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT REST?
BIBLE READING: Genesis 2:1-25
KEY BIBLE VERSE: God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from his work of creation. (Genesis 2:3)
REST IS IMPORTANT TO MAINTAINING A BALANCED LIFE.
We live in an action-oriented world! There always seems to be something to do and no time to rest. Yet God demonstrated that rest is appropriate and right. If God himself rested from his work, then it should not amaze us that we also need rest. Jesus demonstrated this principle when he and his disciples left in a boat to get away from the crowds (see Mark 6:31-32). Our times of rest refresh us for times of service.
BIBLE READING: Exodus 20:1-26
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. (Exodus 20:8)
REST IS IMPORTANT FOR WORSHIP.
The Sabbath was a day set aside for rest and worship. God commanded a Sabbath because human beings need to spend unhurried time in worship and rest each week. A God who is concerned enough to provide a day each week for us to rest is indeed wonderful. By observing a regular time of rest and worship in our fast-paced world, we demonstrate how important God is to us, and our spirit is refreshed. Don’t neglect God’s provision.
BIBLE READING: Hebrews 4:1-13
KEY BIBLE VERSE: There is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who enter into God’s rest will find rest from their labors, just as God rested after creating the world. Let us do our best to enter that place of rest. For anyone who disobeys God, as the people of Israel did, will fall. (Hebrews 4:9-11)
REST IS PART OF GOD’S ULTIMATE PLAN.
God rested on the seventh day not because he was tired, but to indicate the completion of creation. The world was perfect, and God was well satisfied with it. This rest is a foretaste of our eternal joy when creation will be renewed and restored, every mark of sin will be removed, and the world will be made perfect again. Our full complete rest in Christ begins when we trust him to complete his good and perfect work in us.
REST IS A GIFT OF GOD.
God wants us to enter his rest. For the Israelites of Moses’ time, this rest was the earthly rest to be found in the Promised Land. For Christians, it is peace with God now and eternal life in a new earth later. We do not need to wait for the next life to enjoy God’s rest and peace; we may have it daily now! Our daily rest in the Lord will not end with death, but will become an eternal rest in the place that Christ is preparing for us (John 14:1-4).
REST
Ours is an age of anxiety and stress because ours is an age of speed. We take pride in explaining to each other about our busyness, but feel vaguely guilty if we relax. God did not intend for his people to live in a state of perpetual hurry. From his own example in Genesis to the promises of the New Testament, it is clear that God wants us to discover rest and refreshment for our body and soul.
WHO CAN AFFORD TO TAKE TIME TO REST WITH SO MUCH TO DO?
Genesis 2:1-3 . . . On the seventh day, having finished his task, God rested from all his work.
If God saw rest from work as holy, how can we afford not to rest?
Exodus 20:8-11 . . . The seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God.
God commands his people to observe times of physical and spiritual refreshment.
HOW CAN I EXPERIENCE THE REFRESHMENT GOD PROMISES?
Psalm 23:1-3 . . . He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength.
As we follow Jesus ever more closely we will experience the rest and refreshment of his presence.
Matthew 11:28-30 . . . Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
Jesus relieves our burdens and leads us in a life of peace and rest.
Hebrews 4:1-11 . . . All who enter into God’s rest will find rest from their labors.
The final and ultimate rest is the promise of heaven for those who put their faith in Christ.
PROMISE FROM GOD:
Matthew 11:28 . . . Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.