Rest

Check out all the previous Rest readings here.

Rest Reading Plan | Day 5

Prayer

As you come to spend time with Jesus, calm your mind and body until you feel fully present. Thank Jesus that he came to save you!

Bible Reading: Revelation 14:13

Read these verses three times slowly.

Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”

“Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

Reflection & Questions

There are many images and metaphors of heaven in the BIble. But one that comes up again and again is rest. Today’s verse is an example of this. Those who “die in the Lord” will “rest from their labor.” There are a couple of observations to make from this.

Firstly, there is labor to do now. This life isn’t to be defined by rest. There is to be rest and refreshment in the mix (as we have read this week), but there is work to be done. As the Spirit says in these verses, “their deeds will follow them.” What kind of deeds is the Spirit talking about? Deeds that are fulfilling the great commandments of love God and love people. Deeds that are on mission for Jesus.

Secondly, we are to labor now with a view of rest in heaven. It is for good reason that God has given us the picture of heaven as a place of rest. It is a goal, a reward, a reason to keep going when the going gets tough. Now, heaven won’t be sitting on clouds playing harps; there will be purpose and even work. But even this work could be described as rest, because it will be free from the curse and brokenness that this world is under. Instead of anxiousness, there will be peace. Instead of fear, love. Instead of troubled-hearts, joy. Instead of brokenness, perfection. Instead of insecurity, absolutely security. instead of God being invisible, He will be visible and we will live with Him. That is a great reward and a perfect eternal rest to look forward to.

1. How are you laboring for Jesus right now? Are your priorities straight?
2. What are you looking forward to about heaven? Is it something you think about often? Why or why not?

Prayer

Talk to God in response to the reading today.

Worship Song

You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:

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Questions?