Hebrews 4:9-10: “There remains therefore a rest of the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.”
In today’s world of upheaval – social, political, biological, geographical, and seemingly countless other ways – the concept of true rest is becoming difficult to grasp and even harder to attain. For many people, though, they probably wouldn’t know what to do with real rest if they found it because they have become addicted to being busy. Rest, though, is essential for every person – rest brings healing and health.
God was as busy as anyone could be during the seven days of creation. Yet, what did He do when He finished His creative works? – He rested. (Gen. 2:2) If God found rest from His works, and we are made in His image (Gen. 1:26), the idea we should find rest from our works seems reasonable. What is important for us to understand is the root(s), or reason(s) for our works. Do we find rest in our works or when they are finished? God rested when His works were finished. At the end of seven days, there was no more work to be done because He was finished. Rest can be found when God’s works are finished.
When it comes to our relationship with God, coming to a deep understanding of the term “finished” is a glorious moment. Periodically, each of us should examine the reason we do what we do for God. For many of us, the works (our tasks, our efforts, etc.) we do “for God” are likely unnecessary. Sadly, many people feel they “have to” do this or “have to” do that to please God or convince Him to not be mad at them. These works are completely unnecessary. Jesus said His Father in John 17:4, “I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” What work did Jesus finish? Everything that was required by God to make a way for anyone who believes in Jesus and what He did at the cross to be permanently forgiven and reconciled to God.
God found rest when He was finished with creation. Mark 16:19 tells us Jesus sat down next to the Father after His work was finished – a picture of rest. The works of creation and redemption were performed by God, and they are finished. God is at rest. Hebrews 4:1 offers a promise of rest to those who believe, and today’s verses tell us that rest is found in God’s rest. In God’s rest, we can cease our works because God has ceased, or finished, the works necessary for us to be His true child. That, beloved, is the limit to your works – to believe in Jesus. If you truly believe in your heart Jesus is the Son of God, and He paid the price for your sins, then your end of the deal in being reconciled to God is finished. What happens when things are finished? – You find the promise of rest fulfilled.
As to the things you do for God, you should first ask the Holy Spirit if they are necessary. You may find out that you are carrying a burden of busyness that is completely unnecessary. Have you ever been “burned out” by doing things for God or in the name of God? If so, then you are likely doing things God never asked you to do. Remember the story of the two sisters, Mary and Martha, in the gospels. Martha was always doing things for the Lord, but Mary was spending time with and listening to Jesus. Martha complained to Jesus about Mary not helping her in her service, but what was Jesus’ response? He affirmed what Mary was doing as a good thing. Who is more at rest in this scene? The busy Martha or Mary, who has chosen to simply spend time in God’s presence?
All of what we’re saying is not to designed to discourage you from serving the Lord. However, ask Him what He wants you to do before you do it. Remember, there’s nothing more you need to do to draw God any closer to you – He’s done all the work. Whatever He tells you to do, He will be with you every step of the way (Matthew 28:20). The works He will ask you to do should not be burdensome because God gives us what we need to finish them. What should we find when our works are finished? – Rest. That’s a promise from God, and He cannot lie. You need rest, and rest can be found in God, but you have to believe. Do you?