RESTING IN HIS WORK!

RESTING IN HIS WORK!

Heb 4:7-11

7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.

9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

          The apparent contradiction between ceasing from our own works and laboring to enter into rest can be explained by the purpose of the work. If we work for an impossibility how weary is that work? Paul told the Romans that “by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight!” (see Romans 3:20). How heavy is that which can’t be lifted?

          We fail miserably when we labor to satisfy the demands of God through our own efforts. Isaiah 64:6 tells us that “all our righteousnesses [the whole of the deeds we think to be right] are as filthy rags.” All the kneeling and genuflections; all the keeping of ordinances and laws are insufficient. How wearisome and futile is self-help religion!

          God rested in His finished work of creation – not because He was tired but – because the work was totally completed. Jesus rested in His finished work of redemption because nothing else and nothing more was required. Grace then entered providing rest.

          Busy believers are of two kinds. First there are those who are busy about trying to please God. The second kind are busy because God is already pleased with the work of Jesus. Both labor but one is weary and the other is well rested.

We Bear The Strain Of Earthly Care

We bear the strains of earthly care,
But bear it not alone;
Beside us walks our Brother Christ,
And makes our task His own.

Through din of market, whirl of wheels,
And thrust of driving trade,
We follow where the Master leads,
Serene and unafraid.

Dear Lord, let me rest in your completed work! AMEN