The Beauty of Rest

By Jesse LeMay

                People need rest from time to time. After a long day of work, or school, or traveling, the body and the mind needs a good rest. When we get sick, or are in chronic pain, one of the doctor’s prescriptions is typically rest. Even though some vacations can end up being exhausting, the idea is that they are to be a time of rest and relaxation. We have all heard the old principle “a body in motion stays in motion, and a body at rest tends to stay at rest,” but sometimes taking a break from the rigors of every day life is needed. Rest can be a beautiful thing.

                There is an eye-opening illustration given to us by the writer of Hebrews in chapters 3 and 4 concerning rest. He describes the Israelites’ exodus out of Egypt and their journey through the wilderness. Also included, is the description of entering the Promised Land with “rest.” After such hardship from their time in slavery, as well as their arduous journey after being set free, such a rest would have been a wonderful thing. However, while all were given the promise of this rest, not all received it. We read that some did not enter God’s rest because they were “disobedient,” in addition to their “unbelief” (3:18-19). How sad they must have felt!

                Such an example is given to encourage the Christian readers to remain faithful and obedient to God. He says that we have had “good news preached to us,” and that a “promise remains of entering His rest” (4:1-2). This rest for us is the eternal Promised Land. What a beautiful rest that will be! No more pain, sickness, or suffering. Just a never-ending rest in the presence of our Lord and Savior. However, we cannot forget that there are contingencies concerning our promised rest. That is why the writer says for us to “be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience” (4:11). We must not make the same mistake as the Israelites did! May we all continue to trust in God, remaining faithful no matter what happens, and obey His commands. In so doing we will enter into our beautiful and eternal rest.