July 19

“He rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.” Genesis 2:2

Rest comes after work. Moreover, work must be completed to entire satisfaction before there can be true rest. God did not rest in the first six days, but he rested on the seventh. During the six days of creation, there were light, air, grass, herbs, and trees; there were the sun, the moon, and the stars; there were fish, birds, cattle, and creeping things. Finally there was man, and God rested from all his work. When God gained a man, he was satisfied.

“Behold, it was very good” Genesis 1:31. Note the use of the word “Behold.” When we have purchased or produced an object with which we are particularly satisfied, we turn it round with pleasure and look over it long and well. God’s work of creation with man as its summit was so perfected that it brought him satisfaction. Could he have done more? He did. Through redemption he has brought us through Christ the promise of sharing his rest.