Summary of REST

Before we move on, we need to assemble our thoughts about God’s REST into some kind of order. This was a simple subject, prior to studying these verses in depth! It is now obvious that the term REST means many different things in the Scriptures and is used in many different contexts. That is why it is helpful to try to put them into order because there are links; of course there are! 

The literal meaning of the Hebrew word “Shabbat” or “Sabbath” is “to cease”, “to stop” or to “desist from working and labour.” It implies that certain activities that demanded time and effort have ended, but it does not mean that we replace that busyness with nothing. God does not call us to laze around or to “do nothing!” 

God came to REST when He ceased the labours of creation and had permanently completed the work of turning dark matter into a beautiful, productive world pumping with life, energy and productivity. He rested from the work of creating but not from activity.

Adam and Eve were at REST when they communed with God in this literal, foundational paradise. Here they had work to do, not least to go and subdue the earth! But, they learned very quickly that to live at REST in God’s creation requires obedience and absolute trust in His words. And by the way, Noah’s name means REST!

Israel had REST when they conquered the land of Canaan under Joshua. (Joshua 21:43-45) God promised them all the land of Canaan and beyond, but they never did claim it all, and they still haven’t! Thus, they cannot REST yet for they’re still waiting on God’s promised REST. The land of Israel will not be at REST until Messiah comes to reign and the Jews acknowledge who He is and what are the terms of His covenants with them. The antichrist will try to enforce peace for a short time, but it will take Armageddon to shake the nation up and accept the Messiah who will come to save them. Then they will experience REST for the first time ever. 

The Church is certainly not at REST at this time and never has been. God calls us to stop labouring for salvation, to stop putting demands on people and spending endless amounts of time in organising and planning and building structures and making rules. REST comes when we submit wholly to the Holy Spirit and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord of all. REST Is found in total obedience and complete faith in Him so that our strivings cease and His power and authority are supreme. Does that mean that we are dormant and can live lives of luxury? Not at all, like Israel we have a land to be cultivated, our task is to go out and sow seeds and to reap a harvest for the Lord. We can still be busy but also at REST!

The world will experience REST when Yeshua reigns for 1,000 years and there will be no more wars and people will be at peace. (Revelation 20, Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3). After that God promises He will instal a new creation, Eden will be restored and at last, there will be complete REST. Hallelujah! “Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”

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