Genesis 2:3 - So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all His work that He had done in creation.
"I'm not tired." Every parent has heard those words as their child slips into a much-needed slumber. Children often fight sleep, afraid that they will miss something. It's a different story for adults, though, isn't it? We welcome naps. But the cares of this life are pressing. And so we grind on, knowing we are tired, but knowing also that rest will simply have to wait.
Yet, in Luther's Small Catechism, he says something worth remembering about rest. After teaching believers to say the Creeds, the Lord's Prayer, and a final evening prayer, he said—no matter what happened that day—"Then go to sleep at once and in good cheer."
Yes, get some rest! It's important that you do.
Genesis 2 tells us that God rested on the seventh day. After six days of creating, God rested because the creation was complete. His word was done, and it was good, very good. Things were in harmony; everything was as it should be: at rest.
What if the point of this life is that kind of rest with Him?
First, we need to see our rest deprivation isn't simply because of the pace of the modern world or our never-ending to-do lists. Our rest deprivation comes from our sin—our brokenness—our ongoing rebellion with the God who created us, redeemed us, and who is for us the only lasting Source of refreshment and rest!
When Luther says, "Then go to sleep at once and in good cheer," it wasn't that he didn't have a care in the world. He was constantly in the middle of community and church squabbles, often as the judge of an issue; he was relied on by others to solve very real problems in their lives. Like all of us, he had restless nights, but he turned his cares over to God who loved and redeemed him.
If you need rest today, go to God in prayer. Put your faith in the One who has redeemed all of creation from sin, death, and the devil. This Jesus has done by His death on the cross, sealing our salvation—and our rest—by His third-day resurrection.
So, after your prayers tonight, go to sleep at once and in good cheer. But if you do find yourself struggling to sleep, take heart and rest in the promise that whatever you are facing, Christ has already conquered it for you.
WE PRAY: Jesus, please give me rest and peace knowing my life is secure in Your hands. You created me. You redeemed me. You are with me. Teach me to rest in that. Amen.
From "God's Refreshing Rest Can Be Yours Today!" a devotional message from Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, former Speaker of The Lutheran Hour
Reflection Questions:
1. What do you do to recharge when you're low on energy?
2. Why do you think God would establish a day of rest? Why do you think He made it holy?
3. How do you settle down your mind when it just keeps racing with anxious thoughts? Do you look to God in such times?
Today's Bible Readings: 1 Chronicles 4-6 1 Corinthians 7:1-19
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