REST - 20 Amazing Bible Words To Know: (ANAPAUO) Part 3

REST - 20 Amazing Bible Words To Know: (ANAPAUO) Part 3

We have come to the realization that rest means much more than just not working. Jesus and Moses understood that rest has a spiritual element to it. Rest is something God gives and His presence is involved. Noah’s name literally meant rest. Here is why:

Genesis 5:29

Now he called his name Noah, saying, “This one will give us rest … from the ground which the LORD has cursed.”

Isn’t that interesting? Rest has to do with  alleviating the curse of God. Paul pulls everything together about rest. He used the Greek word “anapauo” four times and in each instance there is the idea of the heart and spirit being refreshed. Look at these passages:

• “They have refreshed my spirit and yours.“ (1 Co 16:18)

• “His spirit has been refreshed.” (2 Co 7:13)

• “The hearts of the saints have been refreshed.” (Phi 1:7)

• “Refresh my heart in Christ.” (Phi 1:30)

All of those passages are talking about comfort and joy being “refreshed”. That’s the same word. Those things are the product of the rest that comes from the presence of the Lord. Remember when Peter spoke these words?

Acts 3:19

“Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”

The Bible is telling us that the rest we need comes in the presence of God. There is comfort and joy there and He refreshes our hearts and spirits when we rest in Him. It lends a new meaning to these words of Jesus, doesn’t it?

Matthew 11:28-29

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.”

We will wrap this up tomorrow by looking at the significance of rest in the last few books of the Bible: Hebrews and Revelation.