When Can We Rest?

I’ve memorized and quoted this next Scripture in my prayer time many times in recent years.

Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29  Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30  For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

I understand Jesus’ statement. He is offering rest for our souls. When we are yoked together with Jesus, there is rest for our souls. But that usually brings up the next question. When can I find rest for my body? Come to me, all of you who are weary, and I’ll give rest for your souls, but what about the body? When can we find physical rest?

God rested on the seventh day in Genesis. He didn’t rest because he was tired or weary. He rested because he was finished. I think the same thing applies to us today. We can find our final rest when we are finished.

Of course, we should take time off from work (sabbath rest) and go on vacations when necessary, but those are not our ultimate rest. The Apostle Paul talks about that final rest from worldly opposition and even persecution (fighting the good fight of faith). This is the ultimate rest that we all look forward to…physical and soul rest.

2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 (NLT)

And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted, and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, 8  in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. 9  They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power.

Did you notice the glorious events that surround this final rest from our labors on earth?

• Jesus appears from heaven with his mighty angels.

• These angels will give rest to believers and judgment to those who don’t know     God and refuse to follow Christ.

• Rest for believers and eternal destruction, separation, and unrest for unbelievers.

• We will receive the rest (finally finished) that we’ve all longed for, and Jesus will be glorified and praised by all those who have found this eternal rest.

2 Thessalonians 1:10 (NLT)

When he comes on that day, he will receive glory from his holy people—praise from all who believe. And this includes you, for you believed what we told you about him.

And this includes you…this should give us the energy and perseverance to keep going till that last day when everything is finally finished.

Maranatha, Hosanna, Hallelujah and Amen,

Terry Cooper

Lead Minister