Pastor Rich Lammay
Hebrews 4:9-11 “...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. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest…”
The writer of Hebrews tells us to work hard to enter a Sabbath day’s rest. What he says seems to be contradictory, striving and rest are polar opposites. As we consider the context and how the original recipients were not resting the Lord’s way, we find what the Sabbath means for us.
The Sabbath was given to Israel as modeled by the Lord. Six days the Lord labored to create our world then He rested on the Sabbath day. That’s our model to follow, yet, like those who received this letter, many do not rest in their Sabbath.
People want to make rules on how to rest, some of those rules are more work than the rest they’re looking for. Take for example the Orthodox in Israel today, on Saturdays many go to a hotel in order not to do any work (cook food, make a bed or drive a car) but at the hotel it’s considered work to push a button on the elevator so, the elevator stops on every floor. Or people who insist that the Sabbath is observed only on Saturday, they say, anyone who worships on Sunday’s is violating the Sabbath but nowhere does the Bible say the Sabbath is a day of worship, rather it’s to be kept holy and for rest. Jesus told us the Sabbath is for us, and we are not slaves to the Sabbath (Mark 2:27).
So, what’s the deal about striving to enter into the Sabbath days rest? In Jesus words we find the balance.
Matthews 11:28 says; “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Jesus said he is our rest. In Christ the believer rests from trying to work their way to God, because Jesus paid the price for our forgiveness so, He is our Sabbath.
What did the Lord say about striving?
Luke 13:24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door.
John 10:9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.
Work hard to enter into the narrow way that leads to eternal life. Jesus is the way in whom we find restful pastures (Psalm 23). Hebrews continues and shows us where we find rest.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Go to God’s word to learn about true rest. The Bible speaks, it is alive and living, active and so sharp it reveals truth. Truth about God and truth about yourself. The truth found in Hebrews is; “God wants to give you peace, but you’ll only find it in (Jesus) who said, ‘Come to me and find rest’!”
Have you trusted in Jesus or are you so busy you can’t find rest? While an actual Sabbath day is important to refresh your soul and rest your body, the more important Sabbath is, having your sins forgiven and being in right relationship with God.
Pastor Rich Lammay of High Sierra Fellowship is a member of the Carson Valley Ministers’ Association.
