Rest for Our Souls

February 6, 2024

One of my favorite hymns is “Home of the Soul.”  Besides the beautiful alto lead in the chorus, there are the encouraging lyrics reminding us of what awaits us as children of God.  “If for the prize we have striven, after our labors are o’er, rest to our souls will be given, on the eternal shore1.”  Are you looking forward to finding rest for your soul?

Those who die in the Lord will find that rest in heaven.  As we read in Revelation, “Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.”” (Revelation 14:12-13 NAS95)

The life of a Christian should be one of hard work.  The Christian life takes perseverance—steadfast endurance for the Lord.  The life of a Christian is one of diligently keeping the commands of God and holding to our faith in Jesus.  The life of a Christian is at times filled with trouble and sorrow, temptation and trial.  In all of this, we can grow weary.  What is it that can keep us going strong?

One thing we must do is to keep our sights focused on heaven.  We need to remind ourselves often that there is coming a day of great blessing for those who die in the Lord.  There is coming a day of great rejoicing, a day of glory, and a day when we will finally lay all our burdens down and rest from our labors. 

But while we are here on this earth, “Let us be diligent to enter that rest…” (Hebrews 4:11a NAS95) Let us be eager to respond to His voice.  Let us be eager to work for the Lord.  Let us be eager to serve others.  “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” (Galatians 4:9 NAS95).  It is a wonderful thing to spend your life being busy with the work of the Lord, knowing that He has provided us with a glorious place of rest in the future.   

—Scott Colvin

1 “Home of the Soul,” Lyrics by James Rowe

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Posted by Scott Colvin

“Hasten the Day”

June 7, 2013

Peter makes an intriguing appeal “You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming” (2 Peter 3:11-12, NIV). Of interest is the word that the NIV has rendered “speed.” A quick survey of translations indicate two possibilities: (1) hasten or speed the day or (2) eagerly desire the day.

  • “hastening” (ESV, NASB, NKJV, NRSV and NET), “speed” (NIV),
  • “eargerly” (NIV margin, Hugo McCord), “earnestly desiring” (NRSV, ASV), “earnestly desire” (HCSB), “look forward” (NCV)

The Greek word “speudō” has both meanings. Those who favor “hastening” point to Jewish background, although the IVP Background Commentary notes that the rabbis were divided on the issue of whether Israel’s repentance and obedience sped up the day. “Hastening” would suggest that we speed the coming of that day by our repentance, evangelism, and prayers. Those who favor “eagerly desire” find it the simpler solution because it doesn’t involve human behavior affecting the timing of the end. Although I’ve tended to favor the second choice, I must confess the difficulty of the options.

However, I don’t want to get lost in the “trees” of this passage and miss the grandeur of the “forest”. As you read 2 Peter 3, it is apparent that Peter wants us to be prepared for the Day. It will arrive “like thief in the night.” We know it’s coming, but we don’t know when. This world will be destroyed, but Christians hope for better things. In the meantime, we must live holy lives knowing that our future home is where righteousness dwells.

Yet what may be most challenging to 21st century American Christians is the eager anticipation of that Day. What is apparent in the chapter is an eager anticipation regardless of translation choice in 3:12. First century Christians were excited with longing for Jesus’ return. It didn’t mean they checked out from this world. Preparations needed to be made. People needed to be reached. As C.S. Lewis has aptly quipped, “Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.”

We are in need of reminders to aim at heaven. The busyness and comfort of this life may cloud our vision. Would we pray with Paul, “Our Lord, come!” (1 Corinthians 16:22)? Or would our lifestyle proclaim, “O Lord, wait!”? Our attitude to the day has an effect on our lifestyle. Somehow, the companions of eager desire are holinesses and reverence. May we eagerly desire the day of God!

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Posted by Russell Holden