In today's fast-paced world, finding rest can seem like an elusive goal. We fill our calendars with work, social events, and endless to-do lists, often neglecting one of the most important aspects of a fulfilling life: rest. This week's sermon, delivered by Chris Stanley, delved into the biblical importance of rest and how it can transform our lives. Let's explore the key points and lessons from this enlightening message.

Chris began with a well-known story about a university professor who used a jar, rocks, pebbles, and sand to illustrate how we should prioritize our lives. The rocks represent the most important things like family, health, and relationships. The pebbles are the secondary things like work and school, and the sand signifies the trivial matters. If we fill our lives with sand first, there will be no room for the rocks. This analogy sets the stage for understanding the importance of prioritizing rest.

In John 10:10, Jesus says, "The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Chris challenged us to consider whether we have a full life or just a full calendar. A full life, according to Jesus, is one filled with joy, love, peace, and contentment, which can only be achieved by prioritizing our relationship with Him and finding rest.

What If Busyness Isn't the Answer?
Chris humorously confessed his reliance on coffee to get through busy days, but he quickly shifted to a more serious note: what if living life to the full isn't about busyness? What if it's not about cramming our schedules with activities, even church-related ones? One of the biggest rocks we need to prioritize is rest.

Biblical Examples of Rest
In Mark 6:6-13 and 30-32, Jesus sends out His disciples to preach and heal, but He also calls them to rest. Despite the amazing ministry happening, Jesus knew the importance of rest. This counterintuitive approach teaches us that to be effective in our lives and ministries, we must prioritize rest.

Why Did God Rest?
In Genesis 2:2-3, God rested on the seventh day after creating the world. This act wasn't because He was tired but to set an example of intentionality and expectancy for us. Rest is not just a suggestion; it's a commandment, as reiterated in Exodus 20:8-11. God knows us better than we know ourselves and understands that without rest, we will burn out.

The Difference Between Sleep and Rest
Chris made a crucial distinction between sleep and rest. While sleep is vital for our physical health, rest is about ceasing from work to relax, refresh, and focus on God. Resting is an act of obedience and a demonstration of faith, showing that we trust God to handle our circumstances.

How Can You Prioritize Rest This Week?

To apply this sermon to your life, consider the following questions:
1. What are the "big rocks" in your life that you need to prioritize?
2. How can you set aside intentional time for rest each week?
3. Are you willing to say "no" to certain activities to make room for rest?

Challenge for the Week
This week, challenge yourself to set aside one day for rest. Use this time to focus on God, relax, and refresh. Be intentional about saying "no" to additional commitments that could encroach on this sacred time. Remember, a full calendar does not equate to a full life. By prioritizing rest, you can find more meaning, energy, and effectiveness in your service to God and others.

Rest is not just a luxury; it's a necessity commanded by God. By prioritizing rest, we align ourselves with God's design for a full and meaningful life. Let's take this message to heart and make rest one of the big rocks in our lives. As we do, we'll find that we are more effective, more joyful, and more at peace in our walk with Christ.