Hebrews 4:9-11 (NKJV)
9 There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. 10 For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. 11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.
How good are you at resting? In my case, resting is not my specialty. I want to rest but keep thinking about what I could be doing. The downside is I don’t get the quiet time I would like to enjoy with God. When you are always busy, it is hard to hear God’s still small voice. With all the chatter in my mind, it is hard to hear the whisper. God tells that we are to work six days and rest on the seventh just like He did. How are you and your Sabbath Rest?
Hebrews reminds us that God’s rest is still available to us today. The One who rested created that rest for us. As is the case in many places, the Bible often speaks on several planes at the same time. This rest is the Sabbath rest and well and our more permanent rest of heaven with God. Matthew Henry’s Commentary says “This rest is, a rest of grace, and comfort, and holiness, in the gospel state. And a rest in glory, where the people of God shall enjoy the end of their faith, and the object of all their desires.” We might also call it the Kingdom of Heaven.
Do you want to enjoy this rest? Is it still available to you? In our crazy world of constant communication and instant gratification, can we take the time to enter God’s Rest? In Genesis 2:2, God tells us that He had finished His work of creation and rested from His labors. It was His choice just as it is our choice today. You must be intentional about this rest. I choose to attend Church, do my Bible Study homework and visit my Mom on Sunday. Many times, we set up visits with friends too. I would like to spend more quiet time with God though. Silence is not my thing. In the movie, War Room, the main character has a prayer closet in her house where she goes to be alone with God. I intend to build one for myself. My seat on the couch is not private enough. I want a place where I can commune with God alone that does not have other distractions. What about you? What is your quiet place? Where can you go to speak with God but mostly go to listen?
Heavenly Father, we love You! It is clear that You love us. Help us to be with You more each day. You designed Your Rest for our benefit as a time of grace, comfort and holiness. Protect our schedules so we can share peaceful time with You. Renew us daily through Your Rest. Give us time to be quiet that we may hear Your voice. And when the time comes, may we enter Your Rest so we can glorify You and enjoy You forever. In Jesus name we pray! Amen!