There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God…
Hebrews 4:9 (NIV)
As a child, my family would vacation every year at a family resort on Rainy Lake on the boundary waters of northern Minnesota. During our two-week vacation there was typically one day when the entire camp would all get in our boats like a big flotilla and head to a designated spot on the lake. Everyone would fish together, then cook up what was caught in the morning in a big shore lunch on one of the lake’s many islands. There would be more fishing in the afternoon before everyone returned to camp.
One year when I was still quite young, a violent afternoon storm rose unexpectedly. I and all of the younger children was placed in the largest boat for safety as we slowly made our way back to camp in very stormy seas. My father was alone in his john boat behind us and I still remember the fear of watching the bow of his boat climb high in the air as if it was about to flip completely over, then disappear below the next giant wave.
I was never so happy to return and dock at our camp’s safe little cove.
The Greek word used for “rest” in today’s chapter, katapausis, was used in Greek literature to describe safe harbor at the end of one’s travels. Meditating on that brought back my memory of that day on the lake, the storm, and the return to safe harbor. As I continued to meditate on that experience, the truth is that I experienced different layers of katapausis in the event.
On a grand scale, I was experiencing rest simply from being on vacation. Those two weeks were a climactic event every year when the normal grind of daily life gave way to two weeks of fun and adventure. On a micro-level, the adults’ decision to put me and the other children in the giant boat was shelter within the storm. I was never in fear for myself on that long boat ride through the stormy seas, just for my dad and the others in their little john boats. And then, there was the rest that came when we arrived at the safe harbor at the end of our voyage.
In today’s chapter, the author of Hebrews applies a similar layered approach to the theme of Sabbath rest. There is the original Sabbath rest that came at the finished work of God’s creation. He then alludes to the physical “rest” God intended for His people in the Promised Land, a promise His people refused to enter in their unbelief. There is then a spiritual “rest” that Jesus offers “Today” as shelter amidst the violent daily storms that arise unexpectedly on this earthly journey. There is also an eternal rest to which we look forward entering when this earthly journey is finished.
Jewish rabbis say “One who keeps Sabbath tastes a portion of the world to come.” I love that. As a disciple of Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath, and indwelled by His Spirit, that “taste” is readily available at any and every moment – even as shelter and safe harbor amidst the storms of life.
The author then reminds us that this “rest” is made available through Jesus, who suffered the same storms, suffered death, rose to Life and returned to the eternal safe harbor I will one day reach. In the meantime, there is “rest” available even as I strive to make my way there. The author reminds us to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Mercy for the wounds of yesterday.
Grace for the worries of today.
Rest for the weary tomorrow.
Praying you experience the shelter of His rest amidst your stormy seas today, my friend.
If you know anyone who might be encouraged by today’s post, please share.
