Creator, Father, King #34

On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work.

THERE ARE NO HAMMOCKS in heaven. Naptime is not a thing there. There isn’t a need for quiet rooms with a big bed, blackout shades, and a noisemaker that mimics the sound of a soft, babbling brook.

You probably already knew this, but it’s best to make sure. After all, today’s verse says that after the six days of Creation, God “rested from all his work.” The way we think about rest today and God’s idea of rest as expressed in Genesis 2:2 are two completely different concepts.

God wasn’t exhausted after creating the universe. He didn’t have his hands on his proverbial hips. He didn’t need to wipe his brow, catch his breath, or use an inhaler.

God is the Ancient of Days. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He spoke, and solar systems flew into place. He uttered mere words, and galaxies were born. At his command, the entire earth was instantly populated with natural wonders that humans have been marveling at for millennia. No, with this kind of power and authority, God does not get tired.

Why, then, did God rest?

What’s It Mean?

The idea of God resting after his act of Creation signifies a completion of his work. God wasn’t weary! He was simply finished with the grand activity of creation and exceedingly pleased with the result. As Genesis 1:31 says, “God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!”

God’s rest on the seventh day also set up the Sabbath cycle—a weekly holy day when God’s people in the Old Testament, the Israelites, would cease their labors after the pattern of their Creator and worship him (Exodus 20:8-11).

Think of that: there’s a God in heaven who created the entire universe in six days and didn’t even break a sweat! Isaiah 40:28 testifies, “The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary.” He made the world as a temple for his glory, and he was glad to share it with his children.

Rest in the greatness, power, and love of this great God!

Now What?

Read Psalm 104, which is a “creation psalm.”

Did You Know?

The Jewish Sabbath (day of worship and rest) falls on a Saturday. But starting shortly after Jesus’ ascension, Christians have made their weekly worship gathering a Sunday, the first day of the week, to honor the day of Christ’s resurrection (Acts 20:7).