Rest

July 16, 2020
Today’s devotion is based on Hebrews 4:8-11, “For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience."
Martin Luther in his Small Catechism writes, “We should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and his word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it” fits in well with what the writer to the Hebrews says in our reading today. As followers of Jesus, we get rest and refreshment from dwelling in the word of God – in reading and studying it and in hearing it preached.

Restoration and revitalization are available through God’s word because it is alive and active. While it may cause some pain as it reveals the sin within each of us, we need this sword to do its surgery. As we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us through God’s word, we will draw closer to God – and oh what joy it is to behold our Savior!

Please pray with me the prayer for today: Heavenly Father, gracious God, creator and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen, grant me the courage to allow your Holy Spirit to work in me through your holy word. Help me to see the areas in my life that need work. Make me into the person that you know is best for me and your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Ame