“Therefore, a Sabbath rest remains for God’s people. For the person who has entered his rest has rested from his own works, just as God did from his. Let us, then, make every effort to enter that rest…” (Hebrews 4:9-11a)
Hebrews has been saying that we miss out big time when we do not believe God’s promises (Heb. 3:19). Not only will we miss out on a relationship with Him, but we also miss out on His rest. That’s what happens when we harden our hearts: we miss out on God’s divine rest.
What does God’s rest look like? (Genesis 2:2)
First, it is a joyous rest. Job 38:7 tell us “the morning stars sang together, and all sons of God sang for joy.” God’s joy is carried into His rest. Likewise, when we rest in the work of Jesus our King, we sing for joy for our salvation, for God’s perfect work on the cross. Our joy depends not on our circumstances but on Christ.
Second, it is a satisfying rest. After God created, He asserts creation to be “good” over and over. Looking at His work, God in great enjoyment is satisfied in His rest. So, when we rest along with God, we too will be satisfied in the goodness of God. We who believe in Jesus are no longer under the yoke of the law, but under the gentle yoke of the grace of Jesus. Our debt has been satisfied on the cross. We can rest easy.
Third, it is a working rest. Although God’s rest began when He completed the cosmos, and its satisfying fullness is available to us, God continues to be active today (John 5:17). We also are active, serving others, as we rest in Christ’s work.
This joyful, satisfying, working rest is available to you. Anyone can have it. Today, Jesus says to you, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” You can search the world for peace and security, but only Jesus can give you true rest. Hear His voice. Take a hold of this peace by hope and faith in Jesus Christ.
Don’t harden your hearts in unbelief. Come, rest in Jesus. As Augustine wrote, “For You have made us for Yourself and our heart is restless until it comes to rest in You.”