The joy of rest is that for believers, it’s not only something we look to now, but also in the hereafter. It’s one of those eschatological (future facing) truths which is current and backward-looking. As we reflect on this concept, I urge us to appreciate the infinite value as little interludes of rest now help us to anticipate God’s rest. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Hebrews 4:9-10 NIV
[9] There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; [10] for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.
God’s Sabbath-Rest
Initially, hearing of God’s Sabbath-rest may lead to conversations or strong arguments about days of worship. Yet, sabbatismos features once in the New Testament – in our Nougat. And yes, it is related to the practice of Sabbath, but also moves beyond the day to a lifestyle of completion. This Sabbath offered to God’s people signals completion of our assignment and welcome into the repose offered by God.
This is not to be feared by believers. Rather, one could see it as reward for toil on earth. Moreover, we have the assurance that even as we await that heavenly rest, we can find rest in our Joshua. In Him (Y’shua is the same meaning as Joshua), we not only find rest for our souls, but also assurance of God’s promises being fulfilled on our behalf.
American theologian, Cleland Boyd McAfee, consoling himself and family at the death of two young nieces, explained God’s Sabbath-rest thusly:
There is a place of quiet rest,
near to the heart of God;
a place where sin cannot molest,
near to the heart of God.
Refrain:
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
sent from the heart of God,
hold us, who wait before Thee,
near to the heart of God.
2 There is a place of comfort sweet,
near to the heart of God;
a place where we our Savior meet,
near to the heart of God. [Refrain]
3 There is a place of full release,
near to the heart of God;
a place where all is joy and peace,
near to the heart of God. [Refrain]
Self-Check
How does our soul respond to the thought of being in God’s Sabbath-rest?
Digging Deeper
The Hebrews author doesn’t see God’s Sabbath only as eternal rest, however. The argument continues with the thought that those who enter God’s Sabbath-rest are also exempt from work. For many of us, this is good news, albeit for the wrong reason. The thought of not needing to be employed, while surviving (and living in the lap of luxury) could have come from the set of a movie.
Except that it didn’t.
Instead it refuted the idea that we must ‘work’ our way into salvation. God’s Sabbath says the work is already finished. Jesus’ proclamation on the Cross, ‘It is finished’ in John 19:30 confirms that the heavy lifting of salvation is done. That’s a Sabbath of sorts. Because, what’s left for us to do is believe and receive. That’s why it is already done even as we anticipate its fullness in the life after Christ’s return.
God’s Sabbath-rest therefore;
Reminds us of the perfection of God’s created order prior to the Fall (see Genesis 2:2). In God, we are perfected unto righteousness
Invites us to observe rhythms of rest, renewal and worship by observing Sabbath.
Insists that we pace ourselves so that there’s balance – neither procrastinating nor overworking, as both are unhealthy extremes
Assures us in times of crisis that Jesus is our Moses and Joshua, Who leads us to the Land of Promise and protects us on the way
Offers us rejuvenating interludes as we make time for, and live in obedience to God in all the rhythms of our lives
Ushers us into eternal rest that comes from being near to the heart of God.
Today, let us receive the gift of God’s miraculous Sabbath-rest through Jesus Christ.
Point to Ponder
Do we understand God’s labour law? We don’t have to work to earn salvation, for in Y’shua, the work is already finished. Y’shua literally means, God saves, which is what He did for us with His death and resurrection.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
