Hebrews 4:1-10
I really love yesterday’s reading and today’s reading, sections on God’s rest for his people. Yesterday I commented on our Sabbath rest, that Carol and I have actively resisted working at our money jobs on Sundays. We also try not to even do house chores on Sunday. And I remember that my father might have hay cut or crops to get in – even if Sunday was clear and sunny with rain called for Monday he would not do the farm work on Sunday. He set a good example for me, as we should set for our own children.
But frankly, I don’t think the writer of Hebrews is talking about a once-a-week rest. I think his “rest”, even his “Sabbath rest” in verse 9 is referring to a greater rest for the people of God. And I truly feel like I am living in that rest. All the worries and concerns in the world today are just that – in the world. But we are living “outside the world” – in the world but not of the world.
The word “rest” occurs ten times in today’s reading, including verse 11a, which is one of my all-time favorites: Let us therefore strive to enter that rest… Just as this “rest” in chapters 3 and 4 is a gift, not a requirement, so also verse 11 is an encouragement, not a command – and I like encouragement! Let us strive to enter…!!! Glory!!
Slava Bohu!
Thank you! The reading spoke to me about God’s rest NOW… releasing cares to Him and trusting in His goodness, wisdom and provision.