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What is Rest? Is it merely the stopping of work, relaxation of our physical bodies, the unburdening of our minds or the emptying of our assignment/ activity schedules? God’s rest has several meanings in the Bible but, in the context of Hebrews 4, one particular definition of His rest stands out. God rested on the seventh day to indicate that his creation was complete. The world was then perfect as He created it and He saw that everything was good – very good. “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good” (Gen. 1:31). This rest is really a foretaste of our eternal peace and joy, when creation is renewed and restored and the world made perfect again. This Sabbath-rest in Jesus begins when we simply trust Him completely to complete his good and perfect work in us.
God wants His people to enter His rest. For the Israelites, having left their slavery and bondage in Egypt, the rest for them was the earthly rest to be found in the Promised Land in Canaan. For us Christians now, the rest refers to the peace and joy with God right now and eternal life on a new earth later. Our daily rest in the Lord’s will begin right here and now. However, can all of us enter His rest? It appears otherwise. The Israelites disobeyed God and those who left Egypt ultimately failed to enter the Promised Land flowing with milk and honey. In the same way, through disobedience, we may well fall short of God’s rest if we are not diligent and careful. Many have heard the gospel message of Jesus with their varied responses. Only those who responded with faith in the Almighty God for His forgiveness and salvation are warmly welcomed. To enter God’s rest, we must believe that He intends for a relationship with us. We must have faith in Him and determined to obey him.
Don’t we often work hardest during the last few days towards the exams or final project knowing that we have fun and rest after that big day? Just like how we put in extra effort to finish our work when we know about upcoming rest, may we do the work God has given us with passion and determination as we look to God’s promise of rest. He will never fail us for He is God!
