Page 10 - January 2026 - Truth & Tidings

ife is busy! That’s an understate- creative acts were completed, but another
ment for most of us as we try to dimension was brought into view. The rest
Lbalance work commitments, school allowed the Creator to pause and delight
shuttles, medical appointments, holiday in all that He had declared to be “very
plans, plus a host of “unknowns.” Even good.” Man had been made “in His own
technology upgrades our workload to an image and likeness” (1:26-27), and the
“anywhere” and “everywhere” activity. Creator revelled in His relationship with
For believers, local church commitments His creatures. This Sabbath day principle
are an additional factor. In fact, one man was established early in man’s history,
said, “I’m so busy that I hardly have time and the truths reflected by heaven’s rest
to breathe!” a comic exaggeration but a are vital for our blessing.
reminder of just how busy we can be.
Along with the busyness is stress – rising The Saviour’s Promised Rest
prices, mortgage payments, family con- The Lord’s gracious invitation of Mat-
cerns – and so we have to keep “our nose thew 11:28 stands as one of the great
to the grindstone” to keep above water. promises of the Bible: “Come to Me, all
Sell out or be replaced. you who labor and are heavy laden, and
Worse still is the fact that work has I will give you rest.” Millions over the
somehow come to define us. Despite our centuries have found life, meaning and
desire for rest, we almost boast about our true rest in the Lord Jesus and His ac-
busyness. It has become a badge of suc- complishment on the cross. It is His work,
cess and significance in our culture today; His suffering, His payment for our sin that
the busier we are, the more important we have satisfied God’s justice. But the Lord’s
must be. No longer are purpose and mean- invitation goes further: “Take My yoke
ing found in family and relationships but upon you and learn from Me ... and you
in achievements and wealth. So, the ten- will find rest for your souls” (v29). While
sion continues, and the rest that is so need- millions enjoy the rest of verse 28, many
ful is only a distant, unattainable reality. find the rest of verse 29 a bit more elusive.
The Creator’s Rest While enjoying the “spiritual rest” that

The first mention of “rest” in the Bible comes from trusting Christ as Saviour,
many still live burdened lives. So, what’s
is found in Genesis 2:2 at the conclusion the solution?
of God’s great work of creation. “And on
the seventh day God ended His work Sabbath Principles
which He had done, and He rested on The Lord’s words regarding the Sabbath
the seventh day from all His work which are pivotal, for “the Sabbath was made
He had done.” Now God’s rest was not for man, and not man for the Sabbath”
1
because of exhaustion and the need for a (Mar 2:27). We are not under bondage
well-deserved break. Omnipotence knows to keep the Sabbath in its legal require-
nothing of fatigue and weariness. So why, ments (as Israel was), but the ultimate
then, did God rest from all His work? The
purpose of the Sabbath reveals a gift that
1 Bible quotations in this article are from the God intended man to enjoy – to be a day
NKJV unless otherwise noted. of remembrance, reflection, refreshment

10 TRUTH kTidings January 2026