September 18 - LD 38, Day 2: True Rest

Read: Exodus 31:12-17. Exodus 31:15a - “Six days may work be done: but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD.”

What is the idea of the rest to which we are called on the Sabbath? When we think of rest, we probably think of some form of relaxation, perhaps even sleep. But that certainly is not the idea of the Sabbath rest. It cannot be, for we are told in Scripture that God never slumbers and never sleeps. His rest does not take on that form. Furthermore, we are told in Heb 4 that there remains a rest for the people of God, to which we look forward and for which we long.

The Sabbath rest points to a perfect work into which we may enter with all the enjoyment of body and soul. God Himself is the prototype of this rest. He is the One Who instituted the Sabbath day and revealed His own life as the example for us entering its rest. What is His prototype? The fourth commandment itself explains: "For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it."

The Bible teaches us that God constantly upholds and governs everything. There is nothing that takes place in this creation that is outside God's sovereign control. That means that He is never idle. He never ceases to work. He is always accomplishing His purpose, moving all things toward the end that He has in mind. But at the same time, God always rests. Everything He does, He does for His own glory and enjoyment. Therefore, He constantly enters into the enjoyment of His own perfect work.

We must not think that God needed to take one day for the enjoyment of His perfect work. But He revealed Himself in such a way for our sake, that we also may enter into the rest which He has ordained for us, His redeemed people, and that we might do so in a special way during a day set apart for that purpose.