Enter Into His Rest

There are several key points in the initial verses in Hebrews 4 that set the stage:
1) the promise or ability to enter into the rest of God is still available to believers today; 2) the same promises the Israelites received in the wilderness (as they were lead out of bondage) are the same promises we have today; and, 3) Father God set the pattern when He entered into a Sabbath rest after the world was created.

As you read Hebrews 4, you will see there are many cross references to Scriptures in the Old and New Testament- all of which will give you a deeper perspective of His rest.

So then, what is this rest? In natural terms, it is a time of respite whereby you stop all of your work. It's when you take a break from all of your activity. In our society, we might think of rest in terms of the weekend and not having to go into the office. However, as most of us know - the weekend or not going into the office - does not necessarily mean a ceasing from all activity or work. If you're like me, my days off are filled with household chores and/or errands. There is so much to do and so little time! In the spiritual realm, however, this rest has a twofold purpose. First, it does mean that we cease from our labor - comparable to when the Lord finished His work of creation; however, it is a spiritual rest or ceasing of activity.

And the second purpose of the rest is that we are to take time to reflect on what has already been done for us by the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Let me explain further. In Genesis 2:2, it states that God finished His work of creation so He rested. Just think about that for a moment. Everything necessary for this Earth to function; the sun, the moon, the stars, the atmosphere, human beings, the animals, everything was created and God declared that it was good! It was complete and so Father God rested. Likewise, when we are born again, we become new creations; and, we are made perfect in His sight. Everything we need to walk this journey as Christians has already been provided. For example: Adam and Eve had everything they needed in the garden; and the children of Israel had everything they needed (riches of Egypt and health) when they left their bondage (another representation of a spiritual birth).

Then verse 3 in Genesis 2 goes on to say that God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy. As I pondered this, I believe what we are to learn from the example is that God was so pleased with His work that He blessed (spoke good of - Amplified Bible) His own handiwork. He didn't fret or have misgivings about His handiwork. God the Father was so pleased with His own work that He patted Himself on
the back so to speak. Nothing could be added or taken away from what He had created.

Therefore, we too have a rest when we come into the Kingdom of God. We do not have to try to earn salvation - we automatically have spiritual rest and all ceasing from activity (works)). Why? - Because salvation is a free gift - purchased on Calvary by Jesus Christ. Jesus declared in John 19:30 - "it is finished". The perfect sacrifice had been given for all sin and sicknesses, past, present and future. Furthermore, another aspect of the good news is that just like we cannot work to earn it - we cannot "work" to keep it (however, we do have a part to do and I'll explain later.)

There are three things that happen as a result of failing to enter into His Rest: 1) we lose focus and become distracted. With the distractions - I find that that is when our faith gets weak; 2) when the persecutions, afflictions and trials come - many times that's when unbelief enters and/or we question God; and, 3) when the temptations come - then we're more susceptible to going back to Egypt or sinful behaviors i.e. we become disobedient.

What then are the major reasons why we fail to enter into His rest? I believe there are two major factors that keep many of us from resting in the Lord. These major factors are weariness and striving.

Weariness occurs as a result of being physically or mentally exhausted by hard work, exertion, strain, impatience and dissatisfaction. Most of the time, in our culture - the weariness is caused by the following: worry (about finances, jobs, spouse, children, other family members, contagious diseases etc.) and being over worked (either from several part time jobs to make up for the one lost in the economic downturn and/or working excessive hours to make ends meet).

Striving can be a good thing when we think of it in terms of accomplishing a goal. However, in this context, striving is defined as follows: to contend in opposition, battle or any conflict, compete. It can also mean to struggle vigorously, as in opposition or resistance. As believers, many of us strive (to contend in opposition) for holiness, healing and in our relationship with Father. In other words, we should NOT be striving for holiness, healing and/or in establishing a relationship with Father. Instead we should battle to enter in to His rest (cease from works) when it comes to holiness, healing, and relationship with Father.

I realize that this sounds counter-intuitive in terms of how we're accustomed to thinking - and that's exactly the point! As I mentioned earlier, our battle as New Testament believers is in our mind. To do battle in our mind we have to 1) identify ungodly ways of thinking (which can only be done by reading, studying and hearing the whole Bible); 2) to identify godly beliefs pertaining to the particular situation and/or circumstance; and, 3) to replace the ungodly beliefs with godly ones by speaking out loud what God says.

And let me just say - that speaking the godly beliefs out loud is not a onetime event.

LIFE APPLICATION SEGMENTS - Down to Basics in Business Topics:

On my job we were recently told that because of the state budget shortfalls there will probably be job lay-offs within the next 60 days across the entire organization. I sense the uneasiness of my co-workers and my heart and prayers go out to them. However, having lived through several corporate lay-offs - I know and trust in the truth that the Lord is my source and provider. Joel Osteen stated in one of his televised messages: "Things don't happen to me - they happen for me." Wow, what an awesome statement that sums up Father's sovereign love for us. You see when we put our hope and trust in Him - then we can confidently know that if there is a job loss - then that must mean our season was up at this company and there is a promotion and/or better opportunity for us.

Unfortunately - you may experience the initial anxiety and concern. However, it certainly does not mean that you should wear yourself out with worry. What it does mean is that the anxiety will pass (if you quiet yourself and fellowship with the Lord); and as a result, you will sense the soothing presence of the Holy Spirit - wooing you to enter into the rest of God's love and provision for you. When you enter into that place of love and trust in the Lord - then no matter what comes in the workplace -you know you will go through and come out on the other side victoriously! So, rest and abide in His love.