REST IN GOD

Genesis 2:1-3

Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it be rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

Genesis 2:1-3, NIV

Never has more work been accomplished in six days. The universe went from vast nothingness and emptiness to what it is as we know it by a few words of God in only six, twenty-four-hour days. Then God looked out at all that He had created and realized that it was "very good." So God rested. God wasn't tired though. He didn't need to take a break in His recliner and eat Doritos while watching college football for a while. He rested in that He simply stopped His work of creating.

But God was setting a precedent for rest to be carried forward until He would bring an end to the universe He made. With this Sabbath that the Lord took and with the seventh day of Sabbath that He ordained, God was establishing the extreme importance of rest. Weekends are a great time that Americans Love to rest on. People head to the beach. They grill burgers and hot dogs. They enjoy a relaxing day with family or friends away from work.

Physical rest is a very important thing. God does want us to take care of our physical health and mental sanity. At the same time, there is rest that is much more important. The Sabbath that God took on the seventh day also points to the eternal Sabbath that all people will enjoy in the paradise of heaven. And as God ordained Sabbath for all people, God was also establishing the importance of spiritual Sabbath.

In worship, in devotions, in Bible study, and most specifically in our Savior Jesus, we find spiritual Sabbath. In Him we find rest for our souls. In Him, we find a Savior who gives us eternal rest for our souls. As we enjoy our days, we can remember the benefit of rest for our bodies. Yet, we can be reminded of the necessity of spiritual rest for our souls on a regular, daily basis. Finally, on every day we can look forward to the eternal paradise of heaven where both body and soul will rest forever.

Father, thank You for this day and for the Word of life that sustains us. Lord, open the floodgates of heaven and pour out Your abundant blessings over us and our family today. Lord, give rest to our weary soul each and every day. Lord, refresh and renew us with Your Word. Lord, guide us through this life until we rest with You forever in heaven. Lord, we believe that it's Your will for us to enjoy our work, so teach us how to do that. Lord, thank You for enabling us to earn a good living. Lord, use us to be the peace of Your love to those we encounter today.

Father, we love You. Amen.