01/18/2019
Do you desire the rest and peace of God? If so, are you striving to be obedient to God’s Word, and to His will for you? We work at those things God would have us do so that on the Sabbath we can experience the same rest He did, but what if we are disobedient? What if our hearts become hardened to Him? Will that rest still await us?
“So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.”
Hebrews 4:9-10 ESV
The rest and peace of God is a promise to us, just as it was to the Israelites when they were led about in the desert for forty years, but we must ask ourselves if we are any better in our obedience than they were in theirs during their day, and if not... what are the implications of that. Let’s begin by reading some verses from Psalm 95:
“when your fathers put me to the test and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work. For forty years I loathed that generation and said, "They are a people who go astray in their heart, and they have not known my ways." Therefore I swore in my wrath, "They shall not enter my rest."”
Psalms 95:9-11 ESV
Moses led the Israelites around in the desert, following the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, yet at every turn the generation He initially led into the wilderness seemed to falter. Even after all of the signs, and the saving hand of God in Egypt, their faith was weak, and they disobeyed. It was for this reason that only a few were allowed to finally enter the Promised Land. God’s Love for them was sufficient, but their acceptance of it was not... had they believed and accepted God’s will, then all would have received the promised reward.
“Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, again he appoints a certain day, "Today," saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."”
Hebrews 4:6-7 ESV
The key then is in our faith, and through that faith our obedience to God’s Word, and His will in our lives. We can say that we believe in Jesus Christ, and that He is the Son of God, but do we do what He says? Do we honor God by obeying Him? If the answer is “Yes” then we will experience rest, but if we have been disobedient, then God’s rest will escape us.
“Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:11-12 ESV
It is one thing to say we have faith in God, and Jesus Christ, but quite something else to do those things of faith they espouse. In modern jargon we say that someone like that, who says something but does not do it, is just giving it “lip service”, and we follow that up with the expression “talk is cheap.” Jesus says this same thing about us if we do not obey God’s will... listen...
“"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 7:21 ESV
So; is your faith full of action, or just “lip service?” Are you talking about the will of God, or actually doing it? To use another modern expression... have you heard God’s will for you, and “let the rubber meet the road?” Are you walking around in the desert eating God’s manna, and drinking His water, but doing none of those things He desires you to do? If you are a pastor called to serve the Lord, are you tending the flock He has given you, or just following it around with a bell on your neck? If you are a Christian layperson are you obeying the will of God in your life, or just happy to know He actually has one for you... as you continue to allow your own will to reign? Ask yourself now, before it is too late, if you will experience the ultimate rest of God, or if on that hopeful day you will hear these disappointing words...
“On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'”
Matthew 7:22-23 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your will and plan for me, and thank you for the work you have directed me in doing so that I might participate in bringing your will to fruition in my life. Let me always hear your voice and your calling Holy Father, but more than that, let me answer “hear am I”, and “yes” to those things you would have me do. Help me Father as I struggle in this world, and strengthen my faith so that I can continue to obey you as I do your will each day. Help me Merciful Father to serve you in all of your desires, so that on the day of my judgement, when I am led from this wilderness, I will hear Jesus say that He knows me, and is pleased with me. On that day Gracious Lord, let me enter into your rest, and find myself seated at your table. On that day let me sing joyfully of your greatness and glory, and on that day let me find the peace that I have long sought in you. Holy, Holy, Holy are you my God who has a working will and plan for me! Great are you that provides tasks for me to do as I answer your call, and allows me to serve at your side in accomplishing them. Praised be your name always, for amazing is your provision, and bountiful the gifts you have provided me as I complete the calling you have placed before me.
Rich Forbes