“There Remaineth a Rest.” Heb. 4:9.
By N. Orcutt
How precious to the weary and wayworn pilgrim, is the assurance that “There is resting by-and-by.” How it cheers and encourages the heart, amid the toils and dangers of the way. That there is danger to be encountered, and toil to be endured, we learn from Heb. 3:4. Hear the apostle: “Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” Chap. 4:11. “So we see that they (the Israelites) could not enter in because of unbelief.” Chap. 3:19. The same apostle, in alluding to the same subject, has informed us that “all these things happened unto them for ensamples; and they are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come.” 1 Cor. 10:11. How important that we heed the admonition: “Let us therefore fear lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached as well as unto them; but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” Heb. 4:1, 2. How truly has the poet said:— “This life to toil is given,
And he improves it best
Who seeks by patient labor
To enter into rest.” Are toil and wearisome labor our portion? They but afford us the discipline we need. Rightly borne, with cheerfulness, they prove a means of grace. Do perils and dangers thicken? Rejoice. They are but omens that the goal is nigh. Do temptations, doubts, and fears assail? Look away to Him who has been tempted as we are, our great High Priest, who can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. Take courage. “Come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” See Heb. 4:15, 16. “Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.” If by patient continuance in well-doing, we seek for glory, and honor, and immortality, we may have eternal life—share in the rest that remaineth to the people of God. See Rom. 2:7. If we are steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, our labor shall not be in vain in the Lord. 1 Cor. 15:58. Soon, if faithful, the last battle fought, the final victory won, we shall rest. Blessed assurance. I shall rest, I shall rest,
When time’s tempests all are o’er
I shall rest, I shall rest,
When I reach the heavenly shore.
I shall rest from woe and sorrow,
In that bright, eternal morrow.
I shall rest from tears and sighing;
I shall rest from pain and dying.
I shall rest, I shall rest,
When all mortal toils are past;
I shall rest, I shall rest
With the ransomed host at last.