I NEED TO REST!!

SCRIPTURE



Hebrews 4:1-11 (NRSV)

The rest that God promised

Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest is still open, let us take care that none of you should seem to have failed to reach it. For indeed the good news came to us just as to them; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. For we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,
"As in my anger I swore,
'They shall not enter my rest,' "
though his works were finished at the foundation of the world. For in one place it speaks about the seventh day as follows, "And God rested on the seventh day from all his works." And again in this place it says, "They shall not enter my rest." Since therefore it remains open for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, again he sets a certain day - "today" - saying through David much later, in the words already quoted, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts." For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not speak later about another day. So then, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; for those who enter God's rest also cease from their labors as God did from his. Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through such disobedience as theirs.


DEVOTION

I don’t know about you, but I cannot imagine arguing with anyone regarding whether or not I need to rest.

I am sure—beyond a shadow of a doubt—that I need rest in any form I can get it—catnap, long nap, siesta, forty-winks, eight hours or twelve, day or night, laying down, sitting up, or even standing at attention, the opportunity to rest from my labors is a treasure that I value very, very much!

I have always been very grateful to God that God set forth an example of rest on the seventh day of creation. Did God need rest? I don’t think so. God-All-Mighty-and-All-Powerful chose to rest as an example for us; God did not want us to work ourselves to death and never take any time for worship, prayer, meditation, self-care, family, and friends.

The Fourth Commandment says, “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.” Rest and worship are so important that they made the Top Ten List of God’s Commandments to us!

Whilst Earth bound, we are invited to keep Sabbath rest one day of the week, but once our soul’s take flight from our earthly tabernacles of flesh, we will keep eternal rest with God in the Heavens.

Hallelujah! Ain’t that good news?!

For all of us human beings who are overworked, underpaid, and underappreciated at work and at home, the Bible declares good news to us. God loves the world so much that God gave Jesus to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life.

I love the promises regarding eternal life which are laid out in Revelation 21:4 which states, “God will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

You know, dear friends, I have observed that I desire the most sleep when I am sad, grief stricken, pained, or depressed.

But, these emotions generally produce sleepiness, not rest! When I wake up the trials and tribulations that sent me to bed are generally still present.

Aren’t you happy-glad that God promises us more than an eternal cat-nap in the sky? Rather, God promises us eternal rest from all of our sorrow, mourning, and pain.

God—who is faithful and true—will do as God has promised! Because of the shed blood of Jesus, we meet God at the mercy seat, where we will receive the love, forgiveness, and grace of our good and compassionate God.

Beloved of God, rest in the blessed assurance that God loves you and has made provision for the forgiveness or your sin and eternal life in the heavens. And let us all look forward with great anticipation to the day when we will enter eternal rest with God—forever and ever, Amen.

Do you need to lay down some burdens and rest in Jesus today? If so, please pray with me:

God, I am so tired. The trials and tribulations of life are weighing me down. I can’t see which way is up half the time and I’m always just so tired! God, please help me to entrust my cares to you. Please help me to believe—by faith—that you are always working things out for my good. Please forgive me for failing to rest and please fill me with Spirit so that I will have the wisdom to lead myself--and my family--in the Sabbath rest that we need in order to prioritize our relationships with you. I love you and I want to share your love with others. I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.



THE INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, "Come to Jesus."

http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html