The Jesus Bible Reading Plan / A Forever Rest

The Jesus Bible Reading Plan

Day 32 of 365 A FOREVER REST Sabbath rest followed the model God established in creation, when, after creating the world in six days, he rested on the seventh day and called it holy. This rhythm of work and rest was built into the way God designed humanity to function and thrive. All believers are to give themselves to meaningful work that cares for and enhances God's world in order to give him glory. Then, as an act of faith and trust, believers must rest, showing their dependence on God and finding satisfaction in intimacy with their Creator. The hope of the promised land served as a picture of Sabbath rest. After enslavement in Egypt and an arduous journey in the wilderness, the people found rest in a land that was free from war and flowing with milk and honey. There they could dwell in safety and worship God rightly - or so they thought. The story of the nation of Israel proves that such rest was short-lived, at best. The people were never willing to drive out the inhabitants of the land completely, thus they were constantly facing the threat of enemy attacks. Their inconsistent obedience meant that the judgment of God was never far off. The hope of rest remained, but it likely seemed like a long-forgotten dream. The author of Hebrews reminded a scattered church, long after Israel's failure and exile, that the hope of rest still stands (Heb 4). This time, however, the promise of rest is not found in a day of the week or a location on a map. Instead, the promise of rest is found by being united with Christ, free from the tyranny of sin. This rest frees humanity from the laborious and impossible process of trying to secure God's blessing by means of their righteous deeds. Since Christ has fulfilled the law for his people and given them his righteousness through faith, they can rest, knowing that the work is finished and their standing before God is secure. They can find rest at any time and at any place by coming to Christ whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light (Mt 11:30). In him, weary souls can find refreshment, and broken hearts can be made whole. Jesus, in this fast-paced world, help me to remember where my hope belongs. Help me to rest in my relationship with you and in the freedom that relationship brings. Amen. Exodus 35:1-3 NASB 1 Then Moses assembled all the congregation of the sons of Israel, and said to them, "These are the things that the L ord has commanded you to do: 2 "For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a holy day, a sabbath of complete rest to the L ord ; whoever does any work on it shall be put to death. 3 You shall not kindle a fire in any of your dwellings on the sabbath day." Matthew 11:30 NASB 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."