Rest!

Rest!

Hebrews 4:10 AMP

[10] For the one who has once entered His rest has also rested from [the weariness and pain of] his [human] labors, just as God rested from [those labors uniquely] His own.

I love two available online definitions of 'rest', which are "an instance or period of resting", and to "cease work or movement in order to relax, sleep, or recover strength". From human perspective, the two definitions above view rest as a specific or sustained period in a person's life where there is no movement or work, because the work had been done in the past and there was a need to recover strength in order to come back for more work. This raises a few points, such as the fact that the rest here is not an excuse for laziness or avoiding the responsibility of work, but a time to let go to rest and recuperate, so that there can be motivation and inspiration for even improved delivery. Another fact is that rest has been built into the set up of machines and devices; thrre is a reason why the on/off switch is added to every manual, because there is no device that is manufactured not to have a rest or recharge or renewal function, so that it can continue to perform optimally. 

If these facts impact the physical, reflect on the relevance to the spiritual. God is the One who instituted the perfect model, creating the 7 days. He worked through 6 days and rested on the 7th; he hallowed the 7th day and also mandated man to follow that example. As much as the covenants and dispensations have changed, and man was not made for the Sabbath, the standard of rest has not been changed or lowered. God's rest here is deeper than the day of the week; it is a spiritual reality that must manifest in physical stability. God is offering us His own kind of rest, not like the world will give, but one that makes a man rest from the weariness and pain of human labours. It is critical to note here that God's rest does not mean that you do not work anymore, but now you work with a clear purpose and end in view. You work with joy in your heart and a spring in your step, because you know what lies at the end of the labour. 

God did his work and rested; He offers us all the same model. It is also important to note that there is a place for me to ENTER his rest. It is not automatic diffusion; you get into it by a conscious decision to submit your life to Him. Entering into His rest is the guarantee of a rest from the weariness and pain of labour. You stop working aimlessly or fighting like one beating the air. You still keep working and fighting, but with the backing of the One you are IN. Whatever your life produces now is a reflection of His nature; you are not locked in by your own limitations. Now, you work with the clarity of impact, purpose and eternity. This is why the message of the rest that is promised here by God is very important. It is not a rest that anyone else can duplicate; no other authority can offer you this rest. Thete is nothing down here on earth that can initiate or sustain this rest; only the One who has done it, offers it, and can keep you in it is the One who can be trusted to keep His Word. Have you entered into His rest? Come in today. God's time of favour is here.