This message was shared by Pastor Ed Lapiz last January 20. I added some of my insights based on my personal realizations.
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
-Genesis 2:2
All of us are familiar with the Creation account of Genesis 1. As we open the bible, we can see a working God. God worked for six days. On the seventh day, He rested. Why? Was he tired?
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
- Isaiah 40:28
God rested because He was done with the work. Everything was complete. From the light, which is the source of energy, to the sky or space, to the land and seas, to the heavenly bodies, to every living creature (including man), He created them all. On the seventh day, there was a reasonable source of energy and life. There were order and governance. There were two human beings who would manage, promote and maintain order in creation.
God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
-Genesis 1:28
God was able to rest because He created the two managers to whom He gave the first commandment, "Rule!". It means to govern. Governance! In Tagalog language, it's equivalent is "Pamamahala" which came from the word "Bahala". Bahala implies responsibility and trust. One would say, "Ako na ang bahala." (I'll take charge). We are confident when we hear these words because we know that the person will o what he promised. Not, "Bahala na."(Come what may). BAHALA can be traced to the word BATHALA (lord). To rule is to govern with responsibility. It is to lord over the creation which God entrusted to humans.RULE-MAMAHALA-BAHALA-BATHALA-MAMATHALA
The Filipino language has a nice word for government - PAMAHALAAN. I hope this word reflects how the government should act according to the meaning of this word. =)
God rested because humans would and could manage. God governs through delegation and rules through a chain of command. He now works through us! He rested because He is God, not a servant, a maintenance crew or a genie who would obey all our wishes. God rested so He could enjoy His creation! God rested so we could follow His example and we too would rest.
As humans, how can we rest? Like God, we should put everything in order. Let's start in our own room, then to our home, to our our workplace, to the community then to our country (if we are able). I could sleep well on my bed if everything in my room is arranged accordingly. I can write my thoughts if the environment is orderly. I can easily look for things if they are in their proper place. We have peace of mind if everything is in order. If we have peace of mind, we can rest. Like God, we can also rest if we delegate some work to others.
Have a buddy, a companion to help you in your tasks. A manager can do his work through and with other people. Parents should train their children while they are young. They should be taught household chores as well as paying utility bills. Leaders should train their subordinates who will later replace them.
How to let God rest? First, let us do our part as manager of creation. God has given us all the powers to govern the Earth where we live in. God gave us the authority to manage our home and the environment that surrounds us. Second, let us do everything that is humanly possible. as God has given us the power to do the possible. We should use and develop the talents and strength that we have. Do not over-depend on prayer. Find and move God's power that is WITHIN YOU!
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
LET GOD REST. LET OTHERS REST. LET US ALSO GIVE THE GIFT THE GIFT OF REST TO OURSELVES.
But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him." - Habakkuk 2:20
God rested because humans would and could manage. God governs through delegation and rules through a chain of command. He now works through us! He rested because He is God, not a servant, a maintenance crew or a genie who would obey all our wishes. God rested so He could enjoy His creation! God rested so we could follow His example and we too would rest.
As humans, how can we rest? Like God, we should put everything in order. Let's start in our own room, then to our home, to our our workplace, to the community then to our country (if we are able). I could sleep well on my bed if everything in my room is arranged accordingly. I can write my thoughts if the environment is orderly. I can easily look for things if they are in their proper place. We have peace of mind if everything is in order. If we have peace of mind, we can rest. Like God, we can also rest if we delegate some work to others.
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work
- Ecclesiastes 4:9
Have a buddy, a companion to help you in your tasks. A manager can do his work through and with other people. Parents should train their children while they are young. They should be taught household chores as well as paying utility bills. Leaders should train their subordinates who will later replace them.
How to let God rest? First, let us do our part as manager of creation. God has given us all the powers to govern the Earth where we live in. God gave us the authority to manage our home and the environment that surrounds us. Second, let us do everything that is humanly possible. as God has given us the power to do the possible. We should use and develop the talents and strength that we have. Do not over-depend on prayer. Find and move God's power that is WITHIN YOU!
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
-James 2:15-16
LET GOD REST. LET OTHERS REST. LET US ALSO GIVE THE GIFT THE GIFT OF REST TO OURSELVES.
But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him." - Habakkuk 2:20
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