Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Hebrews 4:1-11 "Rest"

Read Hebrews 4:1-11.

"Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience." NIV

We have 3 "rest" references here. Entering the rest of the Sabbath, entering the rest of the Promised Land, and entering the rest of heaven. How are they all related.
God has provided a reward for our labors whether they are at the end of the week, the end of a journey, or the end of our life. Our job is to do be obedient to get there. All of life involves work - labor for food and shelter, work on relationships, work at evangelism. Everything requires us to consciously put feet and hands to thoughts and ideas. If we don't, we become intellectual, useless slugs and of no purpose for God's plan. But if we remain diligent, we get a reward of a day of rest. Likewise, as symbolized by the Israelites' journey through the desert, we can have a reward at the end of our life's journey as well. The trip is not an easy one. There are dry times and obstacles all along the way. But the Lord provides for our every need if we only trust Him. We may not have columns of smoke during the day or fire at night, but His Spirit lights the path if we simply use our spiritual eyes.

Thank You, Precious Lord, that we have a purpose and a work to do. Give me diligence to run the race with perseverance even when times are difficult. Holy Spirit, guide my path that when I reach the end, I will hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." And then I can enter my rest.

Further Thoughts:
  1. Look up Scripture about running the race.
  2. Work is expected, but are we to do everything? In other words, is every opportunity to serve something we are to do? Support your answer with Scripture.
  3. Read about the Sabbatical rest.
  4. Do you need to rest or work? Remember, balance is a good thing.

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