Heaven, A Place of Rest

John 20:19-31
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
In his appearance to them, Christ gave his disciples the power to forgive others, "If you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven. If you refuse to forgive anyone's sins, they are unforgiven"(23)

Because Thomas was not with the other disciples when Christ appeared, he refused to believe that Christ showed up. He said," I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them and place my hand into the wound in his side... Jesus appears 8 days later and says," You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who haven't seen me and believe anyways."

I can imagine how ashamed Thomas must have felt. He had no faith... there are many of us like that. The passage goes on to tell us that Christ did more things than is written.  These words were written so that we would come to know and believe in Christ so that we could receive life in Him.  What a beautiful thing!

Hebrews 4:1-6
Promised Rest for God's People
This passage is a reminder that God created Heaven on the seventh day so He had a place to rest.  We, too, are invited to this place if we believe in Him.

So Father, thank you.  Thank you for this place of rest, for it is in this life that we will work tirelessly for you and with you.