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Rest is a theme that runs from Genesis to Revelation. In Genesis, God “rested on the seventh day” of creation (Gen. 2:2). In Revelation, we are promised an eternal rest: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord … they will rest from their labors” (Rev. 14:13). But what about the time in between the beginning and the end? I need rest now!
There’s good news for the tired and weary: God is a rest-giving God, and we do not have to wait till we get to heaven to find rest. In Scripture, rest is a promise and provision of God for this life and beyond. But what is this rest we are promised, and how can we enter into it?
During Gladys Aylward’s harrowing journey out of war-torn Yang Chen, during the Communist takeover, she faced one morning with no apparent hope of reaching safety. A 13-year-old girl tried to comfort her by saying, “Don’t forget what you told us about Moses in the wilderness” (referring to God’s promise of his presence) to which Gladys Aylward replied, “Yes, my dear, but I am not Moses.” The young girl replied, “Yes, but God is still God.”
Many people find rest in the Word.
The God of the universe walks with us. He is our companion and our friend. The whole world may walk out on us. But God never will. We have his word on that.
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“. . . and I will give you rest” (Ex. 33:14). The rest that is spoken of here is a rest that comes while we are on our journey. It is a rest that reaches the core of our being. It is not like a weekly day off, paid vacation, or guaranteed holidays. It is not merely a cessation of activity, struggle, or the journey. It is a calmness and security that comes through walking with God.
The promise of rest in the Old Testament is tied to a place. Canaan, the promised land, was called “the resting place” (Deut. 12:9). Possessing the land was synonymous with receiving rest: “The Lord your God will give you rest, and he will give you this land.” (Josh. 1:1).
God commands Moses at Sinai: “go to the land I promised” (Ex. 33:1). Then He added this promise: “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (v. 14). This two-fold promise could be taken to mean that Moses’ task of leadership would be made easier because God would be with him. Just as likely, the intended audience for this promise was all of Israel. The “rest” envisioned was that which had already been promised—Canaan, the land of rest. Obtaining the rest would require more than being in a particular location. Even in the land of promise, the obtainment of rest would require living daily in the presence of God.
God commands Moses at Sinai: “go to the land I promised” (Ex. 33:1).
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Rest is found in being in the place God wants you to be—both literally and spiritually.
Echoing the promise God made to Moses and the people at Sinai (Ex. 33:14), Jesus said: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:28-29).
If I am weary, that’s the place I need to be. I need to be with Jesus.