“Sleep is a gift. Receive it from God,” said Duane Brooks to his kids when they were in college. Somehow, they became nocturnal creatures when they left home. Now my kids might say to me, “Rest is a gift. Stop your ceaseless motion.” They would be right. We were made to receive rest once a week.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us of God’s good gift of rest. Through obedience to God’s word, we receive rest for our souls. Can we hear Jesus’ words, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” His invitation still stands.
Nothing steals spiritual rest like sin. We rest in Christ realizing that he has ascended to heaven. He sympathizes with our weaknesses because he too was tempted in every way as we are. Unlike us, he batted a thousand in his battle with evil. This makes us bold as we turn to him in prayer. God’s throne is the throne of grace, his seat is the mercy seat. When we are in need, he welcomes us to come to him in prayer.
Years ago, I heard Bill Hinson recount a restless night when he was struggling with great challenges. During the night he felt like God spoke to him and said, “Go ahead and sleep. I’m awake and I will watch over things.” That night Bill resigned his position of being in charge of the world. Would we rest better in Christ if we remembered that he is still on the throne? We would. Rest is a gift. Receive it.
