Rest and reward represented

Sermon text: Hebrews 4 - a better Sabbath rest

Nehemiah 8:9-10 - "And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law.

10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”"

Ultimate rest happens here. When you sit down at your family table after a day of work and eat the evening meal, you are at rest, or should be. When God sits you down at our Lord’s Table after a week of work and you eat His covenant meal, you are at rest, or should be. You have repented, you are receiving, you are resting in Him. Ultimate rest happens here. Now, some of you are on eggshells as your children take the cup. Hold it so it doesn’t spill; not on the dress! Some of you are performing works of necessity even now. This side of glory rest is always mixed with distraction and anxiety. But ultimate rest is pictured here. In the place of responsibility Jesus will give reward. He takes your anxiety and gives relief. He does this as the burden and weight of your sin rolls off of you and on to Jesus at the cross.

10/11/09