Rest is something we take for granted. We enjoy it only fleetingly. It is not everyone that has a day off or takes days off work that have rest. You can even sleep and not be rested. Why is rest not a sustained state?
Rest can be defined as when there is a cease of work or movement to relax, sleep, or recover strength. This is characterised by minimal functional and metabolic activities. It could also be characterised by freedom from activity or labor.
Why is rest important? We can get some insights from the creation story.
“So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.” Genesis 2:1-3 NLT
Rest comes after work, without work there is no rest. Jehovah God instituted rest, blessed the day of rest, and declared it holy. This means rest is not just going to work, sleeping, or taking holiday. The day of rest is blessed and holy.
When Jehovah was shaping the nation of Israel in the wilderness, he gave them a commandment to observe the day of rest. This was a commandment of blessing. They were to rest on day seven after working for six days. Isn’t this amazing?
“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days, the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day, he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.” Exodus 20:8-11 NLT
The day of rest was to be dedicated to the Lord not our pleasure. Because it is a holy day it must be kept holy.
Rest is a gift from the Lord as Jesus invited, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NLT
Rest comes from the Lord, and it is sustained by Him. Moses got this nugget of wisdom when he refused to move unless Jehovah goes with him because, without the presence of the Lord, there is no true rest.
“Then Moses said to the Lord, “See, You say to me, ‘Bring up these people.’ But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.’ Now, therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.” And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:12-14 NKJV
Rest requires an active action. Because it is a gift, it requires faith and obedience. “Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. Let us, therefore, be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.” Hebrews 4:1, 11 NKJV
Many people desire a rest that will bring peace of mind, health to the body and hope to the spirit. This type of rest is from the presence of Jehovah to those who are in a relationship with Him. His Son, Jesus Christ is the way to Jehovah. And He is inviting you today to “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NLT
Why not open your heart to Jesus today. Believe in your heart that Yeshua Christ Jesus is the Son of God. Repent and ask forgiveness for your sins, for we are all sinners and have fallen short of the glory of Jehovah. Prayerfully look for a bible teaching fellowship near you to fellowship with other brethren and study the word of Elohim. Dedicate or rededicate your life to him. The Spirit of Truth will come and dwell in you and lead you in all things.
Prayerfortheweek: Almighty Father, give me the grace to diligently enter into your rest.
Thank you for joining me today on this journey of spiritual maturity. You can also check my videos on YouTube and my bite-size podcast on Anchor Practical Christianity with Adeola Akintoye.
Remain Blessed.
If you accept Jesus or turn back to him, please get in touch. I am so excited! You give me hope and joy and are my proud reward and crown when I stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns. Yes, you are our pride and joy (1Thessalonians 2:19-20 NLT).
Inbox me, email me, just get in touch. I want to join you in prayers every day
My email is info@adeolaakintoye.com
I pray that this inspires you to reflect on your relationship with Elohim and be determined to be more and do more for Him each day.
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