A Liberating Rest

Rest is not a luxury. Rest is not a special occasion. We do not have to work ourselves to the bone in order to feel like we deserve rest. Rest is God-give. Rest is protest. Rest is liberation. God provides A LIBERATING REST.

Unfortunately, in today’s fast paced era folks will have you believe that rest is in fact, a luxury, that rest is only awarded to those who have reached the point of weariness. People mock you for going to bed “early”. People mock you for not staying up all night long on the ‘grind’ and attempting to exist on three hours of sleep. And I don’t know about you but I find myself wondering what’s wrong with me when I am able to rest uninterrupted!

There are many Biblical references/meanings assigned to the word rest. Genesis chapter 2, ‘after God finished his work of creating the world, he rested. There was peace between God and what he created. Everything that existed had what it needed to live like God wanted it to.’ Another meaning is talked about in the Ten Commandments, the Sabbath rest [the Hebrew word "shabbat" is a noun meaning "rest" or "cessation”] – ‘On the seventh day of the week, Israelites were to rest instead of working’.

There is also rest GIVEN [Matthew 11:28] – “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” and rest FOUND [Matthew 11:29] – “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Family, rest is liberation because it allows us to simply not care about what people think. A LIBERATING REST leans on God. Today’s text turns us towards rest REMAINING. “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.” Jesus brings true rest to those who believe in him. But true and lasting rest comes only from believing in Jesus and following him. This is the rest that God invites everyone to enjoy.

Don’t wait until you are too tired. Don’t wait until your mind, body, and spirit give you no choice. Don’t say “after this, I will”. During this Lenten season and as we move into Holy Week, will you accept God’s invitation to dwell with God? Will you rest in God and God’s word?

Let’s get free!

Prayer: God, my God. Help me to be as diligent and intentional in rest as I am in work. Amen.