God gives us an example of what it means to rest. He
completed His work of Creation and then rested from His works (Genesis
2:2). God calls us to cease from our works as well, and to diligently enter
into His rest. God despises all fleshly worship (Romans 8:7-8; 1
Corinthians 15:50). He only wants those who will worship Him in Spirit and with
sincerity (John 4:24). He takes our heavy burden from
us and opens the door for us into His rest (Matthew 11:28). His
Sabbath rest lasts for eternity (Hebrews 4:9).
Only the prideful and rebellious, who refuse to believe in
Jesus Christ for salvation, are excluded from entering His rest (Hebrews
3:11; Psalm 95:11). However, there is forgiveness in God’s heart for
anyone who repents at any time (Psalm 130:4). You can never do anything too
horrendous, or live in rebellion too long for Him not to forgive you. He
faithfully forgives every sin we lay down (1 John 1:9). God’s
rest is forever (Psalm 132:14) and is for everyone who humbly
surrenders their life to Him (Mark 8:34).
We enter God’s rest at the same moment we repent and believe
in Jesus as the Christ (Hebrews 4:3). Jesus is the only way of
salvation, the only truth and the only everlasting life available to mankind (John 14:6). His
living water is the only fountain of youth we will ever need (John
7:37-39). He suffered an unbearable death on Calvary’s cross to pay
for the sins we commit (1 John 2:2; 3:5). However, He freely gives
us the security of His love and delivers us from all of our fears (Psalm
34:4).
God gives us the wings of His Spirit so that we can rise
above the turmoil of life in this world and enter into His Sabbath rest (Psalm
55:6). Therefore, do not harden your heart against this offer from God. Enter
His tranquil rest, which His salvation brings to us all (Hebrews
3:7,13,15; 4:7). We can never please God by serving Him in our flesh, but
only as we rest in Him and do the works, which He ordained for us to do before
we were ever born (Ephesians 2:10).
Prayer:
Father God, with Your rest, You provide us with
righteousness, peace and joy through Your Holy Spirit (Romans
14:17). You also give us unlimited access to Your throne, so that
we can live in continual fellowship with You (Hebrews 4:10). We work
ourselves into an early grave by serving You in our flesh, when You want to
give us Your rest now and forever (Psalm 127:2). Thank
You for Your love, forgiveness and provision all the days of our life.
Thought for the Day:
Now is the time to surrender to God for Salvation and to
enter into His rest. – 2 Corinthians 6:2
