Rest, My Yoke Is Easy To Bear, And My Load Is Not Hard To Carry

“So God again ordains a certain day, “Today,” speaking through David after so long a time, as in the words quoted before, “Oh, that today you would listen as he speaks! Do not harden your hearts.” For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken afterward about another day. Consequently a Sabbath rest remains for the people of God. For the one who enters God’s rest has also rested from his works, just as God did from his own works. Thus we must make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by following the same pattern of disobedience.” Hebrews 4:7-11 NET

Entering into God’s rest is not just about surrendering; it’s about engaging with God in a transformative way and adopting a fresh mindset. Take my friend, for example. He grew up in poverty and learned early on that survival meant fighting for everything he had. Instilled with the belief that he must work hard and earn his keep, he developed a relentless drive to secure food and shelter. Now, as an adult, he is a successful supervisor, he grapples with the concept of God’s rest, which feels completely alien to him and seems to contradict all he was taught. This raises the question: how can I help him reconcile this profound truth of entering God’s rest?

Understanding that the love of God through Jesus Christ is more than enough for us is crucial. This truth means that God’s love can provide for us even amidst our suffering and pain. Take, for example, the remarkable story of Corrie Ten Boom, who endured the horrors of Nazi concentration camps. Despite the unimaginable abuse and suffering she faced, Corrie emerged as a beacon of hope, using her testimony to uplift others who endured similar trials. She brought the love of God to those who needed it most. Alongside her was her sister Betsy, who tragically died from pneumonia during one icy winter. Even in her final moments, Betsy’s unwavering faith shone brightly, proving that God's love can prevail, even in the darkest times. For them both entering God’s rest was about recognizing that no matter what they faced, God would provide for them what they needed.

When Corrie Ten Boom was released from the Nazi concentration camp, God used her powerful testimony of faith and determination to reach millions for Christ Jesus with a message of hope. That is essentially what we were saved for, to spread the message of a loving God who has adopted us as His own dear children. Remembering that “All things work together for Good, to those who love God, and are called according to His purposes.” We cannot always see how God can use our suffering to accomplish His greater good, but He does so in miraculous ways.

Consider the inspiring story of a large family who faced the heartbreaking loss of their home in the catastrophic Palisades fire in Southern California. While they mourned the memories and irreplaceable items engulfed in the flames, a powerful moment was captured by local news. In the midst of the charred ruins of their former home, the family came together, holding hands and singing heartfelt songs of worship to the Lord. Their strength was not in what they had lost but in their unwavering faith and the anticipation of what God would bring forth next. They exemplified true resilience by entering into God’s rest.

The scripture boldly declares that "God ordains a certain day—Today!" It's important to remember that God operates in the present moment, not in the past. Many people find themselves trapped by memories of their former experiences with God, which can prevent them from truly moving forward into what He has prepared for them today. Today is the day of salvation, not tomorrow. Embracing our ongoing salvation means stepping into His rest, allowing God to reveal His direction for our lives right now. We must let go of past monuments and memories and open our hearts to the vibrant work He is doing in us today.

The writer of Hebrews emphatically declares, “If Joshua had given them rest, then God would not have spoken about another day.” This statement powerfully emphasizes that, even after entering the Promised Land, the people of God are offered a deeper, promised rest (or Sabbath) yet to be experienced. This profound rest is rooted in the completed work of Jesus Christ. When He declared on the cross, “It is finished,” He signified His ability to sit at the Father’s right hand in perfect rest, symbolizing His supreme authority. With all of creation fulfilled, there is nothing more we need to contribute—only the call to fully engage in and receive the benefits of His finished work.

“For the one who enters God’s rest has also rested from his works, just as God did from His own works.” This profound statement emphasizes that the works the writer mentions relates to everything essential for our well-being. God has graciously provided all we could ever need, and He stands ready to supply it if we simply ask Him and place our trust in His plan. Embracing this trust in God’s provision should instill in us a profound sense of security and unwavering confidence in our God. Often, He blesses us with special gifts or abilities that can enhance the benefits He has given; it is up to us to recognize how much we engage in His rest. Yet, this rest involves letting go of our own thoughts and strategies, allowing us to hear God clearly and respond according to His will.

The book of Hebrews is filled with repetition, especially in chapter four which suggests that the writer is earnestly trying to convey a critical message for us to understand fully. Why is this so important? It’s because the central theme is about entering into God’s rest. This concept transcends just salvation; it emphasizes that God Himself is the ultimate rest we seek. Jesus reinforces this idea in the Gospel of Matthew when He invites us, saying, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. My yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry” (Matthew 11:29-30, NET). This invitation shows us that embracing God's rest can transform our lives profoundly.

The author powerfully insists that we must diligently enter that rest, ensuring that no one falls into the same cycle of disobedience. We must not allow our pain to define us, and become our identity like the ancient Hebrews did, for we are far more than the struggles we encounter. Instead, let our pain and challenges mold us into resilient men and women of God, empowering us to rise above rather than surrender to life's trials.

Paul powerfully reinforces this idea: “Do not be conformed to this present world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what the will of God is—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2 NET). This passage urges us not to blindly adopt the values and behaviors prevalent in society and become its victim. But to pursue a life that aligns with God's will. By actively staying on guard and renewing our thoughts and actions according to His desires, we can live a life that truly reflects faith and purpose, thereby becoming an overcomer.

Stephen Barnett