Today is more than just a break from work; it serves as a reminder of the deeper need for both physical and spiritual rest. Scripture illustrates this truth through the story of manna in the wilderness, where God provided for His people and taught them the value of pausing to rest, and in the book of Hebrews, where we are invited to enter God’s rest by trusting in Christ rather than our own efforts. True rest is not simply about sleep or leisure but about laying down the burdens of striving, worry, and self-reliance, and instead finding peace in God’s presence. Just as a parent quiets a restless child, God holds us with His love and calms our weary hearts. On this Labor Day, we are reminded that rest is both a gift and a necessity—time to renew our bodies, refresh our spirits, and embrace the grace and mercy God freely gives today.

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Good morning, friends. Today is Labor Day—a day set aside for rest from our work. I’m actually recording this on Friday, so by the time you watch this on Monday morning, I hope I’ll be sound asleep. That’s my Labor Day goal: to rest.

We’ve been walking through the Gospel of Luke, and we’ll return to that tomorrow. But since today is Labor Day, I found myself reflecting on the themes of rest and Sabbath. Scripture reminds us again and again of the importance of rest.

Think about the story of manna in the wilderness. God provided food daily for the Israelites, but on the Sabbath they were not to gather. Instead, they collected twice as much the day before, because God wanted them to rest. If they tried to gather on the Sabbath, the manna would spoil. God was teaching His people not only dependence on Him, but also the necessity of rest.

This brings me to Hebrews 3 and 4, where the writer speaks about entering God’s rest. The Israelites were offered the Promised Land—a place of rest—but many did not enter because of disobedience and unbelief. The writer warns us not to make the same mistake. He reminds us that God’s rest is still available for us today:

“So then, a Sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; for those who enter God’s rest also cease from their labors as God did from His.” (Hebrews 4:9–10)

God’s rest is more than physical—it is spiritual. It is salvation. We are not saved by our own works, but by the finished work of Christ. Salvation is not a wage we earn but a gift we receive. And when we grasp that truth, we can finally rest—rest from striving, rest from worry, rest from the burden of trying to prove ourselves.

Of course, there’s also physical rest. Even God, the Creator of the universe, rested on the seventh day. If He could rest, surely we should too. I’ll admit, this is not something I practice very well. It’s easier to preach than to live! But Scripture makes it clear: we need both physical and spiritual rest.

I’m reminded of when my children were little. Sometimes they would fight against sleep—squirming, fussing, refusing to settle down. I would hold them tightly, and eventually, they would grow tired and rest in my arms. That’s such a picture of how God holds us. Even when we kick and squirm, even when we resist, He does not let go. As Zephaniah says, “He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Like a parent singing a lullaby, God soothes us until we find rest in Him.

So today, I encourage you to lay down your burdens. Maybe you are physically tired—then rest your body. Take a nap, enjoy a quiet moment, watch a game, or spend time with loved ones. But also recognize that many of us are spiritually tired too. We carry stress, divisions, and heavy loads that weigh on our souls. Take this day to rest in God’s presence. Pray. Listen. Be renewed by His peace, His grace, and His love.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 4:7) Notice the emphasis: today. Not tomorrow, not yesterday—today. This moment is what we have. So let us not waste it.

On this Labor Day, may you find true rest—physical rest for your body, and spiritual rest for your soul. Rest in God’s love, His mercy, His provision, and His grace.

Tomorrow, we’ll return to Luke, but for today, may you simply rest in Him.

Have a great day.