Resting in Faith

Which nationalities work the longest hours? Well, to begin on the opposite end of the spectrum of 37 countries reviewed by the Employment Outlook report, the average work week for Germans is 28 hours. Other countries that enjoy lots of down time include the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, and France. The hardest working country is Mexico, where the average citizen clocks in 43 hours a week. Costa Rica falls in second place, followed by South Korea, Greece, Chile, and Russia. The average work week in the United States is a little more than 34 hours.

Have you ever noticed the similarities between the language about the Sabbath at Creation and at the cross? Both speak of work finished and then rest. “Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished” (Genesis 2:1). “[Jesus] said, ‘It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit” (John 19:30). When God finished the work of making the world, He rested on the Sabbath. So also, when Jesus finished the work of redemption, He rested in the grave on the Sabbath.

The Sabbath symbolizes resting in the work of Christ, both in Creation and redemption. Far from being a legalistic form of righteousness by works, the true essence of Sabbath is stopping our work and remembering the work of Jesus for us: “He who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His” (Hebrews 4:10). Sabbath reinforces the teaching of righteousness by faith!

God offered this spiritual rest to the literal nation of Israel. Though they failed as a people (not as individuals) to enter that rest, the Lord still offers this gift to all humanity. “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9). Do you struggle with working too much? Then stop and enter God’s gift of spiritual rest. “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 4:7).

Apply It:

Think of a time when you experienced refreshing peacefulness and rest. Where were you?

Dig Deeper:

Matthew 11:28; Hebrews 4:1–10; Revelation 14:11

Key Bible Texts

For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. (Hebrews 4:10 KJV)