Rrest From Your Labor

 

So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. (Hebrews 4:9-14 ESV).

 

Happy Labor Day! AI says that Labor Day is “a federal holiday on the first Monday of September that celebrates the social and economic achievements of American workers and the labor movement. It originated in the late 19th century, a time of widespread strikes and protests for shorter workdays, better conditions, and fair wages. The holiday became official in 1894 to recognize the contributions of workers to the nation's strength and prosperity.” Well, for many people it will be just another day. It certainly won’t be a day of rest. Even if you are one of the folks that have the day off from your employment, my guess is that you will be spending it in some kind of “labor.” You may be planning to use the time for completing some put-off tasks around the house; or, perhaps you’re hosting a group of friends for a gathering. Regardless of your plans, I doubt you will be “resting from your labor”!

 

Though I’m writing this devotional on Friday before Labor Day, I can already anticipate that I will be doing much less than I would normally. I have been remanded to inactivity by the doctor and Mary is on full alert to keep me as inactive as possible. Perhaps it will be a good time to do some reading and contemplate where my concentration will lead us in the fall through Morning Devotionals (she seems to think that’s OK… LOL!).

 

In that spirit, let me draw your attention to our reading today. The writer of Hebrews indicates there is a time of “rest” for believers: So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his (v. 9). I certainly believe that will be a part of our eternal gift; however, I find it difficult to imagine what that will look like. One of the clues is found in Jesus’ invitation in the Gospel of Matthew:

 

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and m  I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 ESV).

 

Jesus is not talking about a cessation of activity, but a directed path serving the continued purpose we are created to achieve. When we try to achieve that purpose alone it becomes a burden too heavy to bear; however when we join with Jesus in that pursuit, it becomes an easy path forward.

 

Whatever, you “do” today, do it with Him! Then, you will truly rest from your labor!