“Rest” - Happy Labor Day weekend!  Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions  and achievements of American workers. Labor Day weekend symbolizes the end of summer and is often celebrated with picnics, etc.,…and for many it means a day off from work.  A balance of work and rest is important.  Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each day.  Some need as few as 6 hours and many need 10 hours.  But 4 hours is said to not be enough to be mentally alert.  It is said that children, ages 6-12 need 9-12 hours of sleep and ages 13-18 need 8-10 hours of sleep.  How are you doing?  It is not only important to get daily rest, but it is Biblical to get a day of rest each week, not 24 hours of sleep, but one day to rest from your labor and focus on corporate worship. That is how God created us and He gave us the pattern way back in the book of Genesis chapter two. There is so much unrest in our world, I almost feel guilty as I gather my thoughts.  My heart and prayers continue to go out to those in our world who are suffering so much - my world is so small in the big picture!

That being said, I realize that I must more than ever, rely on God and His word.  God set a pattern for mankind to follow even as He foreknew their future.  The old covenant was a type or shadow of something better to come.  The overall theme of the book of Hebrews is “better.”  Better promises, better hope - “there remains therefore a rest for the people of God!”(Hebrews 4:9)

The “better” in found in Jesus Christ!  He will provide you rest in the midst of trials and persecution.  Not just world events but everyday life can rob us of this rest the Bible speaks of.  Yes, we need physical rest but spiritual rest of the soul is the better.  Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden…and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11: 28)

Our physical location and circumstances don’t necessarily provide or keep us from true rest because only Jesus can provide us rest in the present, regardless of our location or circumstance - “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face; and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)

Pastor Rodney