The concept of "mission" in the Bible is deeply rooted in the divine mandate to spread the message of God's kingdom and salvation through Jesus Christ. The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20, serves as the foundational text for Christian mission: "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'" This passage underscores the authority of Christ, the global scope of the mission, and the promise of His presence.

The mission is not merely an activity but a reflection of God's character and His redemptive plan for humanity. In the Old Testament, the mission is foreshadowed through God's covenant with Abraham, where He promises that "all the families of the earth will be blessed" through him (Genesis 12:3). This blessing finds its fulfillment in the New Testament through the person and work of Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul exemplifies the missionary zeal in the early church, as seen in his journeys recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Paul’s commitment to the mission is evident in his declaration in Romans 1:16: "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek." His letters further emphasize the importance of preaching the gospel and establishing churches as part of the mission.

The mission is also a communal effort, involving the entire body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 highlights the roles within the church that equip believers for works of service, contributing to the mission's advancement. The mission is both local and global, calling believers to be witnesses in their immediate contexts and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

Rest

The theme of "rest" in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing physical, spiritual, and eschatological dimensions. The concept of rest is introduced in Genesis 2:2-3, where God rests on the seventh day after creation, setting a pattern for the Sabbath. The Sabbath rest is later codified in the Ten Commandments, where God commands His people to "remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Exodus 20:8).

Rest is not merely cessation from labor but a time for renewal and worship, reflecting trust in God's provision. In the New Testament, Jesus invites those who are weary to find rest in Him: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). This rest is a spiritual rest, offering relief from the burdens of sin and the law.

The book of Hebrews expands on the theme of rest, presenting it as a promise for the people of God. Hebrews 4:9-10 states, "So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His." This rest is both a present reality and a future hope, pointing to the ultimate rest in God's eternal kingdom.

Rest is also a metaphor for salvation and the peace that comes from a reconciled relationship with God. It is a gift that believers are encouraged to enter by faith, as emphasized in Hebrews 4:3: "Now we who have believed enter that rest." The biblical concept of rest thus encompasses a holistic peace that affects all areas of life, rooted in the assurance of God's sovereignty and grace.