The Ultimate Rest
The Ultimate Rest
“And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’” – Revelation 21:2-4
When was the last time you really rested?
Rest is an interesting concept. It involves slowing down and pausing, but there’s more to it than that. It also involves peace. After all, how restful is it if you take a break, but your mind is worrying about something?
What do you think of when I say “Sabbath?”
- Do you think of Sunday?
- Do you think of Saturday?
- Do you think of worship?
- Do you think of rest?
Sabbath is a very important concept in the Bible. In fact, you could say that the Bible is all about Sabbath and Sabbath is all about rest.
You may be familiar with the Sabbath Day. It was the last day of the week for the Israelites and was a day of rest and worship. However, the Sabbath Day was instituted to physically, mentally, and spiritually remind the People of Israel about the seventh day of creation, the day when God rested.
God’s Rest
God didn’t rest on the seventh day because He was tired. The concept of rest we see on the seventh day involves completion and perfect peace. God had completed the creation of the universe and everything was good. Everything was at perfect peace with God and all other things.
No Rest for the Wicked
Then sin entered the world and that rest was broken. Creation was no longer at peace with God nor were the creatures at peace with each other. The Sabbath Day was instituted to remind the people of the peaceful rest that was intended for them and all creation. Jesus’ death and resurrection was done to provide a way for true Sabbath to return, giving us peace with God and with each other. Jesus’ return will fully bring back that Sabbath.
Find True Rest
While we wait for that day when there will be complete Sabbath rest, we can still experience that true rest, now. Through faith in Jesus, we are made at peace with God. We do not have to strive to earn our way with Him, simply trust in the work of Jesus. That’s what Jesus means when He says,
“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.” – Matthew 11:29-30
You can rest.
- You can rest from the fear and shame of your sin.
- You can rest from trying to earn your righteousness.
- You can rest knowing God will provide for you.
- You can rest knowing God will never leave you nor forsake you.
Heavenly Father,
You have given us peace through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus. You give us peace in our relationships through forgiveness and grace. Help me to rest in His finished work. Help me to rest in Your promises until that day when Christ comes again and we experience the full return of Your Sabbath.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
