Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.1
So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.2
God knows our bent. We cannot function without taking periodic rests lest we burnout. The Sabbath is a time of reconnecting with our Creator. Talking to the Pharisees Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”3 He challenged their rigid interpretation of the Sabbath.
As the leaders were gathered before Moses, he said to them, “This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Tomorrow is a day of solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD; bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over lay aside to be kept till the morning.’”
On the seventh day some of the people went out to gather, but they found none. And the LORD said to Moses, “How long will you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws? See! The LORD has given you the Sabbath; therefore on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Remain each of you in his place; let no one go out of his place on the seventh day.” So the people rested on the seventh day.4
It is a privilege to be able to enter God’s rest. Thus, we should be intentional about it. Let us be forewarned of their hardened hearts that led to their rebellion on the day of testing in the wilderness. Thus, God was provoked with that generation, and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart; they have not known my ways.’ As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest.’”5 And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.6
At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children: yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”7 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.8
As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?9 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”10
Notes:
1. Genesis 2:1-3
2. Hebrews 4:9-10
3. Mark 2:27
4. Exodus 16:22-23,27-30
5. Hebrews 3:7-11
6. Hebrews 3:18-19
7. Matthew 11:25-30
8. John 14:27
9. Psalm 42:1-2
10. Psalm 40:8
