Rest.
What comes to mind for you when you hear that word?
Maybe it’s a word association.
Like rest-stop?
Or bed-rest?
Or rest-room?
But what if you had to picture “rest” all by itself. What is rest? And what does it look like? How would you describe someone who is at rest?
I find these questions difficult to answer. I’m not always sure what rest is. I tend to associate it with peace. A nap. A slower pace. At times it is linked with recreation or entertainment.
But what about rest, all on its own? I’m not totally sure that I know what rest truly is, or feels like or looks like. Can you relate?
I do want to know what rest is and I want to experience rest for myself.
At Pulpit Rock, we want that for you too! (In fact, we’ll be talking about this topic more in the new year.)
That is why we have decided not to have worship services on Sunday morning, December 27th.
We think the people, staff, and ministries of Pulpit Rock could really use a Sunday off – to rest.
Spend this Sunday doing something restful and replenishing for your soul! Maybe that’s sleeping in, having a big family breakfast, going for a walk, seeing the new Star Wars movie. For the third time.
Or you could engage with Scripture by following the S.O.A.P. devotional model. (You can do this on your own or with your family.)
Scripture
Grab a Bible (or open your Bible app) and read Matthew 11:28-30.
Observations
Make notes on what sticks out to you from this passage. It might help to ask and answer some questions like:
- What do you like about this passage? What do you not like?
- What does this teach you about God?
- What does this teach you about yourself or others?
- What does it mean that ‘true rest’ is something only Jesus gives?
- What is a brief one-sentence summary of these verses?
Application
- What is your response to this passage?
- What do you think God wants you to change? Something about your thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, words, or behavior?
- What are the barriers that might prevent you from making that change?
Prayer
- End your time by praying to God.
- What can you thank him for? What would you like to ask him for?
- Ask him if there is anything he wants to say to you (and pause for a reply?
Whatever you decide to do on December 27 – we are praying that you and your family will experience God’s rest in your lives.
