REST

Have you had a vacation recently? Is rest an illusive commodity? J.H. Bomberger used to tell the story of Rasselas by Dr. Samuel Johnson:

Rasselas was a prince of Abyssinia who lived in a beautiful valley called Happiness. Even though the valley was beautiful and conditions favorable for those who longed for happiness, the prince became restless, and longed to go abroad in search of something different. Despite remonstrance from his friends, Rasselas took his sister and set out in search of happiness which would fully satisfy his mind. Through many lands he wandered, visiting many cities everywhere inquiring for the whereabouts of happy people, but everywhere he went he met the same spirit of restlessness and discontent. At last he said to his sister, “Let us go back to our own home in the valley of Happiness, for there is nothing better under the sun.”

I wish that I could take a vacation every time I needed one and maybe even have a few escapades in far away land. Isn’t it true, though, that after you’ve gone on vacation you usually return with an exhausted body and the thought of, “Home, Sweet Home” upon arriving home? John 14:1-4 teaches us, "Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father's home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know where I am going and how to get there." We may not have enough vacation time in our lives, but don’t worry – Jesus prepared a way to eternal happiness for us.