Hebrews 4:9-10 NIV
[9] There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; [10] for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.
God's example of rest is the perfect template for us to emulate. God did His work of creation in six days, and then chose and sanctified the seventh day as a day of rest. Of the tireless and indefatigable God could set aside a day for rest, how much more should we as weak and mortal men also make proper plans for rest. However, the passage above speaks to yet a deeper rest, one that is the culmination of the version of rest that God has instituted for us. The physical rest is good and great for all human beings, but there is another level of rest that God has laid down for those who are His own treasured possession. A window into that was what God promised the people of Israel. They came into a land that had everything, yet they woild not remaim obedient to the instructions and commandments that God laid down for those who would enjoy the land.
As it was then, so is it still now: God wants me to come into the place He has prepared for me. He has instituted rest since He finished the work of creation, and even though He has asked me to work, I do so with the freedom and confidence that He has my best interests at heart. He will not put on me more than I can bear, and when I need to, I can take a break without having to break down. There is the physical rest, with all the benefits that it gives, but there lies at the end of all things, the eternal rest that is the crown of this earthly phase. When God charges me to make every effort to enter into that rest, it has to be something deeper, better, longer and more beneficial than whatever this present phase can provide. I also note from the verse above that the Sabbath-rest is for the people of God. It may sound like a very common expression, but being a child of God is a step further after being created by God.
All of us are made by God, but there is a personal submission and surrender that must happen for me to move into the realm of being called a child of God. When I become a child of God, I cease from fruitless labour or pointless running. I do not have to live to please anyone, or live up to anyone's unrealistic expectations. I now have a new Lord and Master, whose interests are for my good, both down here on earth, and in eternity with Him in heaven. I rest from striving and discord, because the Prince of Peace lives inside of me. Today is the day that God has set for that rest to become a reality in my life. I am not promised forever on this side of earth to make up my mind. Whilst I have now, the decision to take up the offer of rest stands. There are no guarantees about tomorrow. What decisions do you need to make today, so you can enter into the rest that God promises? Remember, God does not and cannot lie. If He has said it, be sure He can do it. God's time of favour is here.
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