There Remaineth a Rest

Today, I read a passage of Scripture that simply explodes with meaning. It's Hebrews 4:1-13. Incorporated into this section are so many principles on the eternal nature of God, His mind and heart, Israel as a people, the nature of the Church, and our walk with Christ as individual believers. 

But my emphasis right now is our walk with Christ as individual believers and to what extent we recognize the resources God places at our disposal.

As I read through Hebrews 4, a phrase in verse 9 struck me: “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.”  I pray that God will impress on each one of us the great peace and authority that is embodied in this one verse. “There remaineth therefore a rest…”

Rest speaks of security. Of being at peace. Guidance and assurance…the feeling of knowing all is well. 

One day, alone with His disciples, Jesus said to them, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” - John 14: 27

At another time, Jesus said to His disciples, “…Let’s get away from the crowds for a while and rest.” - Mark 6:31

Jesus knows that we are surrounded by pressure and stress and weariness and difficulties as we serve Him.  That's why He promises to be with us and to be our Rest.   

At least twice the Holy Spirit spoke to Isaiah on this topic:

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because his trusteth in Thee.” - Isaiah 26:3

“…in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.” - Isaiah 30:15

Carry these words with you as you walk into each unknown circumstance and each new day. Jesus is our sufficiency - as believers, He is our rest. And my prayer for all of us is that the light of Christ's awesome peace will illuminate each of our paths today as we continue to serve His Persecuted Church. 

AMEN!