This week America and the free world celebrated the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy France. As an Army brat, I know and understand the many sacrifices of our brave soldiers so we could have peace and rest today.
Leaders of the free world, including Ukrainian president Zaleski gathered at Omaha Beach to thank the few survivors who braved the Nazi attack on Europe. I find it quite ironic that 80 years later Europe and the free world are once again being threatened by a corrupt dictator.
- Greed
- Power-Hungry
- Abuse of power
Nearly 100 years later, it has never been more obvious that we live in a corrupt world. Freedom is being threatened both domestically and globally. War has spread from Europe to the Promised Land of God’s people.
Severe weather is only getting worse around the globe and I never remember seeing so many earthquakes or volcanoes occurring simultaneously in my lifetime.
However, we shouldn’t be surprised; the Bible has always said God’s people will face hard times in this fallen world. Yet, our only hope is God promises to give His people peace and rest that will last (Isaiah 41:10; 61:1-3.)
Rest
Rest is defined as, “Freedom from work or labor, state of motionlessness or inactivity.” It can apply physically, mentally, and spiritually. We live in a restless world that is never satisfied.
As God’s people we can rest, because we know God fights for us and that gives us peace in our lives that this world cannot take away. The people of God rest in the care of God, not politicians.
Scripture has a lot to say about rest and its importance because God created rest (Exodus 23:12, Psalm 4:8, Mark 6:31, Romans 15:13, 2 Corinthians 2:13-14, Philippians 4:6-7.) The Apostle Paul remembered his Jewish education and its basic teaching about rest.
Nûaḥ
Judaism emphasizes rest in the lives of God’s people because God also arrested (Genesis 2:2-3.) The Hebrew word used in the Old Testament for rest is nûaḥ and it can also mean, “Ceased, set down or quiet,” depending on the context.
Rest isn’t an option for God’s people. The Torah commands God’s people to observe the Sabbath and keep it holy as part of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17.)
- I am the Lord thy God.
- You shall have no other gods but me.
- Do not take God’s name in vain.
- Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
- Honor your mother and father.
- You shall not murder.
- Do not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- Do not lie.
- You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or house.
The world today isn’t that different from the ancient world, God’s people were foreigners in a corrupt land. Israel expected the Messiah to give them rest and make them great. Israel wanted a politician and military leader who would save them and give them rest.
Israel expected earthly greatness. They wanted everlasting peace in a fallen world that hated them. Jesus came and once again promised to give all who come to Him rest and peace (Matthew 11:28-30.)
Unfortunately, God’s people are still searching for rest and peace in a fallen world that is perishing more every day. This world isn’t the eternal rest for God’s people.
Peace In Israel
Ancient Israel was nothing like it is today. The Israelites were nomadic people with no land or cities of their own; although, they were the descendants of Abraham whom God promised to make into a great nation.
They were despised and attacked by other nations. God protected them and set Israel apart as His chosen people (Exodus 19:6.) God promised Israel many things if they faithfully obeyed Him (Deuteronomy 28:1-68.)
- Peace
- Rest
- Their own land
- Provisions
- Victory over their enemies
Israel, like God’s people today still gets His promises twisted. Many look for temporary happiness and an earthly peace that will not last. We wear ourselves out trying to be great instead of letting God fight for us. We trust in ourselves more than in the only One who can give us everlasting peace and nûaḥ (Genesis 18:19, Exodus 33:12-14, Haggai 2:5!)
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