The 4th chapter of Hebrews provides a detour from the familiar themes like faith and hope or the superior efficacy of Christ. This chapter provides a unique look at the importance of peace and rest. At first blush, it is surprising that the author of Hebrews gives such priority to these two characteristics of God.
It reminds me of the little girl who just became a big sister. She ran into her new baby brother’s room and was peering over the crib, asking the newborn questions. When her mom overheard, she asked what she was doing, and the little girl responded, “Since he just came from God, I am asking him what God is really like.”
Good question. So many attributes come to mind, but we might overlook God’s commitment to Shabbat and Shalom. I am so grateful that the author of Hebrews included this. How often have we needed those words of Jesus, “Come unto me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and in Me you will find rest.”
I will never forget one memorable confirmation night with some 30 teens, after just returning from the COVID-19 isolation period. I asked everyone to share what gave them stress and fear. The result was a long list of everything from pressures to measure up in school, in sports, with peers, family, and social media. In minutes we had filled the whiteboard to overflowing.
We all looked at the list as I read those familiar words of Jesus, heard now as an invitation, “Come unto me…” Then I asked, “Ok, we wrote our list of things that capture our attention, what might God’s list look like?” There was a long pause until one girl shouted out, “Names!” ”God’s would just be names, because God cares about people..about us! That’s all.” Exactly.
They all agreed and discussed how our lives would be more peaceful if we too cared just for what God cares about. If we sought first God’s kingdom, all else would truly come. We erased the whiteboard and wrote instead a challenge to us all, CARE FOR WHAT GOD CARES ABOUT…one another. That special night ended with us holding hands and praying for the person to the right of us. We experienced firsthand God’s peace and that rest that only God can give us.
Michael Stone is a retired Lutheran pastor who has served four churches in 38 years of ministry. He is married to Laura, his bride of 45 years, and they are blessed with two sons and two granddaughters.
To Consider
Do you think your life might be simpler and more peaceful if you cared for what God cares for, namely one another?
How does this relational peace fit into the notion of seeking first God’s Kingdom and of the two primary commandments to love God, ourselves, and one another?
How does it make you feel to know that peace (shalom) and rest (sabbath) are not only characteristics of God, but gifts God desires for us?
Prayer
Lord, we are so grateful for your faithfulness to us in so many ways. Today, we are particularly thankful for the reminder that you want to give us your peace and rest. As the Scriptures remind us, to know You is to know Your peace. Give us a heart for what You care for, that we truly can have that peace that passes human understanding. In the name of the Prince of Peace, we pray. Amen.