Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest is still open, let us take care that none of you should seem to have failed to reach it. For indeed the good news came to us just as to them; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. For we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, "As in my anger I swore, 'They shall not enter my rest,'" though his works were finished at the foundation of the world. For in one place it speaks about the seventh day as follows, "And God rested on the seventh day from all his works." And again in this place it says, "They shall not enter my rest." Since therefore it remains open for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, again he sets a certain day-- "today"-- saying through David much later, in the words already quoted, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts." For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not speak later about another day. So then, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; for those who enter God's rest also cease from their labors as God did from his.
"Rest..." I get the image of lying fallow, sleeping, vegging out, doing absolutely nothing, all focused on restoration, rejuvenation, and gaining strength.
Today, the writer to the Hebrews continues his diatribe toward those who his says, "shall not enter rest." I feel that he is talking about the folks who don't find comfort and restoration in the love of God in Jesus. But yet, those who have not hardened their hearts and are united by faith and listened to the good news find rest. I can't help but think about those folks who have decided to sever relationships based on disagreement over an issue. To leave and not wrestle with or try to understand makes me feel like the folks have hardened their hearts. These folks cannot find rest... In fact, they become restless as they continue to search for the "perfect community" which in itself is an oxymoron. I'm more of the understanding that the church is a hospital for sinners (of which we are all) than a country club for saints.
We all need rest. I sense the reading today calling us to a holy rest. As God rested on the seventh day, we are called to seek restoration, and gain strength in order to continue the work God has given us to do. If we pay attention to the word of Jesus, also called the "comfortable words" in our liturgy, "come to me all who travail and are heavy laden and you will find rest. My yoke is easy and my burden is light."
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