Active Theology

“So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.” (Hebrews 4:9-10, ESV)

My family recently got back from a trip to Branson, MO. We had a great time going to Silver Dollar City, shopping at Dick’s 5& 10, experiencing Esther at the Sight and Sound Theater, and much more. Now that my oldest is 5, this felt more like a vacation and not just a trip (Haley and I often joke that vacations in the past few years were just an opportunity to take care of our kids somewhere else). 

Compared to our vacations in the past few years, which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed, this one felt a bit more restful. I stared at my phone less, was able to not think about work or the responsibilities waiting for me at home, and truly enjoyed the time spent with family.

But there’s a hard truth that comes with going on vacation – it always ends and you have to snap back to reality.  

I’ve recently been thinking about how the vacations we enjoy now are a glimpse of what is to come. According to the promises of God, we are in for something much better. 

No matter how much we try to rest, relax, and rejuvenate here on earth, it will never compare with what God has for us. 

There are moments where we experience rest with the Lord now. This is seen throughout Scripture. (Exodus 33:12-14; Psalm 4:8; Psalm 23; Psalm 62; Matthew 11:28-30)

In Hebrews, eternity is described as our “Sabbath rest”. The work will be done and we will no longer have to “snap back to reality” because Heaven will be our reality. 

As humans we long for rest. We can go to the Lord now, into a quiet place with Him, and find rest. But the ultimate rest He gives comes when we enter into eternity and experience His presence. 

As another week begins, take a second to quietly sit with God and find rest in Him. As we do this, we will also be reminded of the ultimate rest that is to come. 

Pray: God, thank you for Your presence and the gift of the Holy Spirit. I pray that I will be reminded of Your presence each day and how I can rest in You and Your promises. Help me to keep my attention on eternity, the place of true rest, that is to come. Amen. 

Song: “Be Still” (Instrumental) by Rivers and Robots

Craig is a worship pastor at Wallula Christian Church and the creator of Active Theology. He loves coffee dates with his wife, reading, and riding his bike. A few of his favorite things are third wave coffee, vanilla ice cream, and plain t-shirts.