Disciples show love to
themselves by appreciating
and taking time to rest in Christ.
Are we supposed to love ourselves? You won’t find a bible quote for it. The bible denounces self-love (2 Tim 3:2) and self-importance (Philippians 2:3). But God does advocate a sense of worth (you are worth more than many sparrows – Matthew 10:31).
If you agree with God, the end result will be a sense of self-worth. As followers of Jesus, we’re taught to care for others as we care for ourselves—this is clearly a form of love. Jesus even uses the word love to express such actions when He quotes Leviticus 19:18: Love your neighbor as yourself. Part of being prepared to care for others is providing care for ourselves (in ways we are capable of).
Your Biblical Identity in Christ
Hebrews 4:1-16
A Sabbath-Rest for the People of God
for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works,
just as God did from his.
~ Hebrews 4:10
1 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed. 3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,
“So I declared on oath in my anger,
‘They shall never enter my rest.’”
And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world. 4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.” 5 And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.”
6 Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, 7 God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted:
“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts.”
8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Jesus the Great High Priest
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Pondering Point
The Sabbath – resting in God. It’s not just about resting physically, though this is healthy and helpful. It’s not even primarily about physical rest. It’s more so about spiritual rest. The Sabbath is about remembering that God loves you regardless of your spiritual efforts. As New Testament believers, Sabbath is a great reminder that God is pleased with us – with you – through the work of Jesus our Lord. It’s about ceasing to strive as if life depends on you -- a.k.a. “resting” – and remembering that life depends on Him. Hence: Rest in Him.
• In Christ, we are able to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, resting from our own efforts and finding mercy and grace to help us in time of need.
Prayer Prompt
Lord Jesus, thank You for providing rest for my soul. Father God, thank You for accepting Jesus’ work on my behalf that I might find rest in You. Let me work in life from a place of rest physically and spiritually. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.