Hebrews 4:1-11 (Morning Prayer)

A friend who had a near death experience once recounted to me that he found himself in a place where the peace was so perfect that “there was not a care in the world.” I won’t share more details than this less we put to much weight in personal stories such as these.

But it made me think of what the idea of “rest” may mean.

I came closest to that experience in 2015 where after more than 30 years of ministry, I finally took a Sabbatical. The experience was surreal. For the first time, I felt a rest from the daily responsibilities, worries and burdens as a pastor. I could go through the day without having some concerns clinging to my mind. I was going about title-less in a foreign country. No “Canon", no “Reverend”, no “Pastor" - just Terry. I was with people who weren’t relating to me as a clergy.

I cooked, I read, I cycled, I wrote and I walked - a lot. If I taught, it was cooking, not some Christian Seminar.

I was aware that it was just a 6-month Sabbatical. Soon, I will be back to the realities of life. Not that I mind for that is my calling. After all, St Paul spoke about the daily concerns he had for the churches (2 Cor 11:28). I shouldn’t expect anything less for I took up that calling more than 30 years ago.

But having experienced that Sabbatical, I understand now a bit more of what God's eternal rest may mean.

Indeed,”there remain a Sabbath rest for God’s people." (Heb 4:9)

I shall look forward to that day.