Renungan Senin, 28 Juli 2025

Sermon, Hebrew 4: 9 – 10                             

“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God;

for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works,[a] just as God did from his”.

“Resting in God’s Presence”

Welcome back – to all student who were doing Field Practice! The Field Practice was divided into three areas: Institutional, Congregational, and Mission-based. We’re excited to hear about your experiences during Field Practice. What was the most significant thing you learned during your Field Practice?

How did you feel about your Field Practice experience? What can we learn from your experience? We’re glad you’re d! You must have learned a lot and grown so much. We’re here to support you as you continue to grow! Now, you are with new student, when you in a far away, as many 49 of your younger sisters were bornt. Exciting times ahead! You’re part of a community that supports and uplifts each other. Keep shining!

Sabbath – the Sabbath originated at creation, when God rested on the seventh day after creating the world in six days. Gen 2: 2-3: “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”

So the Sabbath:

– Its purpose is to remind people of their relationship with God as Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer.

– By observing the Sabbath, people acknowledge God’s sovereignty and express gratitude for His creation.

The author of the letter of Hebrew is basically rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures, specifically in the book of Exodus and Leviticus. Hebrews 4:9, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, grounding believers’ hope in the finished work of Christ. This idea is connected to the creation narrative where God rested on the seventh day, sanctifying it as a day of rest.

In the context of the Israelites, the Sabbath was a sign between God and his people, symbolizing their covenant relationship. The Sabbath commandment, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8-11), anchors the weekly cycle, emphasizing rest and worship.

The Sabbath has multiple dimensions:

– Covenantal Significance: A sign between God and his people, symbolizing their relationship.

– Rest and Worship: A day for cessation from labor/stop working and focused worship.

– Ethical and Spiritual Dimensions: Combining rest with mercy towards the oppressed.

– Prophetic and Eschatological Hope: Anticipating universal worship and a restored people walking in Sabbath holiness.

In these verses, we are reminded that God’s rest is not merely a day of physical rest, but a spiritual rest—a completion and calmness that comes from trusting in His promises and grace. Just as God rested after His creative work, we are invited to enter into a rest that signifies cessation from our own efforts to earn salvation or find peace through worldly means. Six days is enough for work. You can not gain the whole world, you have limited time to gain and to do your routine activities. Our brain needs for rest.  Rest helps our brain recharge and refresh its energy, improving focus and productivity.

During rest, our brain processes and consolidates memories, transferring information from short-term to long-term storage.

Our body also needs for rest. Rest allows our body to repair and recover from daily wear and tear, physical activity, and stress.

The theology of Sabbath toward nature highlights the need for responsible management of resources, reduction of waste, and conservation of biodiversity. Genesis 1:28: Humans are given dominion over the earth, but this dominion is understood as stewardship rather than exploitation. Humans can promote a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature. As a student be mindful of energy and water consumption, turning off lights, electronics, and taps when not in use. Keep dormitories and campus areas clean. Remember: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Replant (4R), Reducing waste, Reusing items, Recycling and Replant: Implement sustainable practices in daily life.

This divine rest is available to us as we embrace faith in Jesus Christ, recognizing that salvation and peace are gifts from God, not achievements of our own. When we accept His provision, we no longer need to strive tirelessly on our our own, but can find true rest in His love, mercy, and sovereignty.

Let us therefore seek to enter into this resting place, trusting fully in God’s finished work and resting from the burdens of worry, guilt, and self-reliance. In doing so, we experience the peace that surpasses all understanding, and we walk in the assurance that God’s promises are sure.

Today, as we move forwards to a new semester symbolizes a fresh start, a chance to improve, learn, and grow. Similarly, God’s rest offers us a fresh start spiritually-a moment to lay aside our worries, burdens, and efforts to earn salvation. Hebrews encourages us to enter into this divine rest, just as students step into a new semester with anticipation.

In the busy campus life, students often feel overwhelmed with assignments, exams, and responsibilities. Hebrews reminds us that God’s rest is a time of ceasing from our own efforts, trusting in His grace. Just as a student need breaks to renew yourselves, we need spiritual rest, trusting that God’s work in our lives is sufficient.

Starting a new semester means new opportunities to grow academically and personally. It’s a reminder that God’s promises are new every day. His rest is available to all who believe, offering peace amid our busy routines.

A new semester can energize students to pursue your best efforts with hope. In the same way, embracing God’s rest renews our spirit, motivating us to live with faith, serenity, and purpose.

Learning is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the ride!

Amen.

Rev. Maruhum Simangunsong, MTh