"There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for those who enter God's rest also rest from their own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience."
Colossians 2:16-17
"Therefore do
not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a
religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow
of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in
Christ."
Paul worked his
entire life. Before he was converted he was a Pharisee obeying the strictest
legalistic rules of the Jews. After he was converted he spent his whole life in
Christian ministry being imprisoned several times, writing over half of the New
Testament, he continued this life of work until his death by execution. He
never had a holiday (except perhaps in a period of time after his conversion).
It made me realize that this is our period of work and we should work hard.
Paul did and now he has his rest in heaven.
This made me reflect
on the Sabbath, the day of rest during the week. Sunday (or Saturday for some)
is really a holiday with meaning just like Christmas or Easter. It is
reflecting a shadow of things to come and reminds us just like it says in
Hebrews to "make every effort to enter that rest." 4:11. Our Sabbath
should reflect that eternal resting place, it should be a time of focus on God,
a time of reward and rejuvenation and a time of fellowship. Just like heaven
will be. Now is the time to work for the kingdom of God like Paul did and if we
do then just like Paul we will find much treasure in heaven to enjoy in our
rest there.
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