Reflection: No Rest for the ... (October 21, 2012)

The 21st Sunday after Pentecost
Eccl. 5:10-20; Hebrews 4:1-13; Mark 10:23-31


The phrase “no rest for the …” is typically completed with either “weary” or “wicked.” While “no rest for the weary” is more widely used by people in our culture because of our fast-paced lifestyle, “no rest for the wicked” is based in the Bible. Cited as a paraphrase of Isaiah 48:22, it is a theme that runs throughout the Scriptures referring to circumstances from the endless evil activities of the ungodly to the eternal suffering for unbelievers. But today’s readings underscore another reality of the restlessness of the wicked: their efforts are never enough.

Ecclesiastes addresses the never-ending quest for money by those who love the wealth of this world and the material things that it provides. The “no rest” of this passage is highlighted by pointing out that “the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep.” Concern over protecting, preserving, and multiplying our possessions can easily rob us of any real sense of security. Tossing and turning in the middle of the night because of the worldly matters that weigh on our minds, we have no rest when our thoughts are dominated by money and possessions.

The Epistle lesson speaks of no rest for those who do not have faith in the Triune God. Without faith each one of us must prove our worthiness to God by how we live our lives. But trying to satisfy God’s demands by our own works is an endless task that cannot bring us a sense of peace with God. Our life of good works ends up being of no value when we do “not combine it with faith.” The endless pursuit of righteousness through the Law leaves people right where they started: separated from God who says “They shall never enter My rest.”

The impossibility of finding rest apart from faith in Christ is captured in the Gospel lesson. Jesus tells His disciples that rest for those who are relying on human efforts or worldly wisdom is impossible. “Who then can be saved?” is their way of asking “Who can enter into the promised rest.” There is no rest for the weary (i.e., those seeking their own righteousness through good works) or for the wicked (i.e., those living in pursuit of worldly riches). But there is rest for those who hear His voice, abandon their efforts to earn God’s favor, and put their worldly possessions to work for the Kingdom of God. “There’s no rest for …,” but there is rest for you.

Audio file of the sermon "No Rest for the ..."