Labor and Rest

 

The Bible has a lot to say about work and rest. The first reference is how God created:

And God said, (Genesis 1:3a,1:6a,1:9a, 1:11a, 1:14, 1:20, 1:24, 1:26 KJV)

Our work isn’t that easy, is it? Even when a general sends his army into the field of battle, his brain should have worked hard strategizing their win. But, most of us know physical labor as well. Partly because of Eve, we have to work hard than Adam’s first job:

And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. (Genesis 2:15 KJV)

A perfect Garden spoken into existence by God. Then both Eve and Adam gave into temptation and their responsibilities changed:

And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. (Genesis 3:17-19 KJV)

Beasts of burden were yoked to do part of the labor. It was that simile that Christ used when He was closing His answer to John the Baptist’s question:

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29 KJV)

The rest Jesus provides is for our souls. Not so much for the bodies that still labor in a workforce that changes before a man can retire, but for our souls that question or existence, the very reason we labor.

Why are we still living? Some decide that it isn’t worth doing, and I grieve for the soul that was in such pain. We pray for them. Pray that they will take time to learn of Him. It takes reading, studying, praying, and proving His promises. I’m provided of the Bereans – a wonderful example for us. They did not reject the message Paul brought to them. Instead:

And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:10-11 KJV)

We are able to live with God’s peace that truly does pass our understanding. His peace that takes His children through troubles century after century:

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 KJV)

Rest, and peace. It takes belief in Jesus Christ, son of the living God who created the heavens and the earth. And how do you believe?

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:14-15 KJV)

Look for that preacher that speaks from the Bible what God inspired writers to give to us. Read those glad tidings of good things and ask that preacher to whom they apply and why. You may actually study the book for years. You can build a close relationship with the Holy Spirit that speaks for us in heaven. Scriptures show these things are so. If you believe I’m wrong, challenge my beliefs, please.

Come, learn of Him, and accept rest.