The Hebrew word translated 'rested or cease' is a form of shabath, and it is from this root word that the Sabbath gets its meaning. The account in Genesis 2 indicates that God had completed His work. The Hebrew language is clear and unambiguous in its intent.
However, Christ Jesus introduced the sense that, 'It is a day for man, and not man for the day.' He explained to those not understanding its intent and purpose 'learn of me...and find rest for your souls'. The writer to the Hebrews adds, 'For we who have believed DO enter,' ending the need for self-righteous acts.
To Christ Jesus it is positive and beneficial, not the oppressive burden some religious leaders had made of the Sabbath in His day. Notice His choice of words. Not something just for Israel; but for all humanity--and celebration wasn't a meaningless practice forced on people to bring hardship and difficulty trying to prove their compliance. Jesus introduced it 'as of God'. The invitation is for all to enter this freedom and experience. It is the same presence Jesus entered and remains.
Smith's Bible Dictionarysummarizes, 'Thus the spirit of that day was joy, refreshment and mercy, arising from remembrance of God's goodness as Creator and as the Deliverer from bondage... Each day the people... give to their children that instruction in the truths recalled to memory by the day, which is so repeatedly enjoined as the duty of parents; it was ' not only in the sanctuary', but 'in all their dwellings.' (1884).
Lacking in Spiritual maturity, people are ever in danger of hardening their heart, of coming short and falling away. In the Gospel, encountering Christ Jesus is everything needed for a full life of Joy, Peace, and eternal, satisfying strength; strength acquired through necessary 'calm' in the Father. The cure for all failures, feebleness, and the preservative from all danger and disease is the knowledge of the higher truth--the loving comfort of the heavenly sanctuary which is open and into which all can enter. The day of trying to prove forgiveness and acceptance by doing ended at the Day of Mercy and the Day of Grace. Daily, every day, peacefulness is at hand.
The temptation is to live out of personal resources, fearfully ending up in exhausting piety struggles. We all need physical rejuvenation, but that is not what the writer to the Hebrews means when he says 'There remains, then, a release for the people of God from their own works, just as God did from His'. People then, can take comfort in the sufficient vital restoration of God. Talking of the coming of Christ, Isaiah states, 'this is...wherewith ye may cause the weary... the refreshing; yet they would not hear'.
This 'Eternal Spirit' is for all, even while living in the rigors of life. The past codes of behavior now elevate beyond external Pharisaic controls to morally progressive, quiet, liberating Spirit Comfort for the soul. Refocusing individual desires begins byforgetting what lies behind and urgently, intentionally practicing ongoing Spirit behaviors: longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and self-control. Focus on one thing: forget the past; press forward earnestly desiring, with a willing firm resolve, to enter constant, perpetual quietness. God opened the door and Christ Jesus offers entrance into His Father's Refuge.
The Scriptures teach us that in the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus the believer is delivered from legalism and its threat of punishment. Beyond legalism and fear of being wrong is freedom and complete assurance of being 'right' with God. Jesus completely satisfied the ceremonial laws on 'Old Testament human righteous' compliance with God.
Faith substance becomes the whole experience of life now and forever. Observances erupt in continual celebration acknowledging the day of a 'dispensation' of rest for the spirit and soul, God's grace-gift, replacing earning by self effort. Not I, but Christ working in and through a believer who receives His gift.
The disciples first encountered this 'new day of rest' in Christ Jesus, the day following His resurrection, when He appeared to them. It certainly became a day of remembrance, celebration and worship for His followers; true Joy and Peace.
Prayer: Father in Heaven I believe in my mind and accept in my heart the forgiveness delivered to me in Christ Jesus. I believe no effort on my part puts me in right relationship with you. Daily I celebrate your comforting presence within me. Thank you for coming to satisfy what the law required, just because of your unconditional love--your want to favor me with rest for my soul, even while the storms of life rage around me. I want to come back home to 'your' Fatherhood. Amen
Keith Gaebel, 'Being Godly in an Ungodly World' ©2012
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