REST

Why is rest so important?

GENESIS 2:1-3    The creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.

EXODUS 31:17     The Sabbath day is a permanent sign of my covenant with the people of Israel. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and was refreshed.

Why would the omnipotent God of the universe rest following his work of creation? Surely, it wasn't  because the Almighty was physically tired! The answer is that God, in ceasing from his work, called his rest "holy." God knew that you would need to cease from work to care for your physical and spiritual needs. Work is good, but it must be balanced by regular rest and attention to health of your soul. Otherwise, you miss the divine moments God sends your way. Make sure to carve out regular times for worship, spiritual refreshment, and rest.

What is the different between rest and laziness?

PROVERBS 6:10-11    A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber. 

MARK 6:31-32   Jesus said, "Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile." He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn't even have time to eat. So they left by boat foe a quiet place, where they could be alone.

2 THESSALONIANS 3:11   Some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people's business.

Laziness is always making excuse for why things can't get done. Rest is a reward for a job well done. Someday you will be asked to give an account for how you spent your time here on earth.

Promise from God  MATTHEW 11:28   Jesus said,"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.