For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.” (Heb. 4:4)
Expanded Passage: Hebrews 4:4-5
As we watch the farmers begin to take in their harvest, we see so much of their efforts hauled away in open-top trucks to go to the silos and weigh stations. These farmers often spend sixteen hours a day in their fields, driving their machinery, hoping to get the crops harvested before the weather stops cooperating with them. How easy it is for us to take their work for granted! It is not until we are going through a grocery store that we are actually in the presence of the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor. They put in those long days for as long as it takes until all their fields are harvested. Then, and only then, do they take a rest from their work.
When God sat back on the Sabbath day and decided to rest, it wasn’t because he was tired or exhausted, and it wasn’t because he just didn’t want to do anymore. He rested on the Sabbath because it was a job well done. All that was left for the Creator of the world to do was to rest from his work as we enjoyed the fruit of his labor.
We are all called into service to God, but not for our own benefit. We are there to perform this work so others can enjoy the benefits of a righteous relationship with our Creator.
Complete the work God has called you to, then rest.
Jayson McGraw is the assistant pastor at Liberty Center Wesleyan Church of Liberty Center, Ohio. He also serves as Sunday school superintendent and leads the community outreach program.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
