Nesting Pigeons

Hebrews 4:9-11 “⁹There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God;¹⁰for anyone who enters God’s rest also rest from his own work. ¹¹Let us, therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.”

Exodus 20:8-9a  “⁸Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.^9aSix days you shall laborand do all your work, ¹⁰but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God…”

Deuteronomy 5::12 “¹²Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you.”

     Growing up, I had an opportunity to hold and even take care of numerous pigeons since, my father have lots of them in a big cage. I’m fond of holding them and rubbing their back. I even got the chance to see their eggs as they hatched. With that experienced, it gave me amazement to see flock of pigeons flying up in the air as well as pigeons resting on the electric lines or on a branch of a tree. It always made me smile every time I would see one. I’m just glad to see how these flying creatures extremely enjoy the freedom the Creator has bestowed upon them and likewise in their sedentary state as they nestled into their nests.

   Parallel to the pigeon’s independence, we human is designed to have and live out our independence as well. God in His power did not choose to control us even if He is able to do so. And in His love for us He did not confine us for himself but allow us people to decide on our own using the wisdom He’s given us. In the same way, we were given the right to rest too. In fact, it was commanded to us, to enter His rest.

   Nowadays, in our fast-paced lifestyle, most people have forgotten the word rest. People became so busy working, they spent most of their time in the office. While some begged to have a rest day, some couldn’t even think nor have the time to rest at all unless they're done toiling for a certain task or a project that needs to meet its deadline so they can receive their benefits and bonuses.

   The biblical truth is that, rest as a health issue only rates second to faith issue. It is either you trust and obey His command or ignore it and work hard just doing things your way, but the bottom line is…there is always a consequence. Abusing our body can make us weak and sick.

   So just like the pigeons on its nest,resting on a line or resting on a branch of a tree, let us enjoy the sabbath that God has given us and so worship and obey him as we nestled comfortably to rest.

How do you take care of your body?

How do you feel after a day’s work in school or from your office?

Do you think you still need rest if your work that needs to be finished has already piled up? Why?

In your opinion, what benefit can you gain if you obey God by reposing for a Sabbath?