REST - 20 Amazing Bible Words To Know: (ANAPAUO) Part 2

REST - 20 Amazing Bible Words To Know: (ANAPAUO) Part 2

Genesis 2:3

“Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work...”

So, here is the big question: “Why would God need to rest?” God is not like us. He doesn’t wear out and He doesn’t get tired. So, why rest?

The Hebrew idea of rest is wrapped around the concept of the Sabbath.  The Sabbath was related to the honor and reverence of God in that it was a time to stop everything and remember God’s love for His people. It was a time to contemplate who God is and what He has done. This is God’s covenant.

Ezekiel 20:20

“My sabbaths … shall be a sign between Me and you, that you may know that I am the LORD your God.”

If we look carefully at the New Testament word for rest, “anapauo”, we discover how Jesus used that word. To Him, it meant more than just taking a break from work. When Jesus talked about rest, it was never something that we do, it was something that He gave.

Matthew 11:28

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”

Mark 6:31

And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.”

Moses also thought of rest as something more than just taking a break from work. In Exodus 33, he asked God how he could know more about Him. He wanted to draw nearer. God’s answer was amazing:

Exodus 33:13-14

“Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways that I may know You”, And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Rest, you see, is found in God’s presence. When God rested from His creation, it was done. His presence filled everything. That’s what rest is really all about.

Tomorrow, We will look at how Paul thought of rest. That will be the real eye opener.