37 Days – A Promise of Rest

Pastor Randy’s devotional:

God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. For this good news—that God has prepared this rest—has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God. For only we who believe can enter his rest. Hebrews 4:1-3

January 29^th Prayer:
Thank You, God, for the rest that I can enter because of Jesus. I am saved! I am redeemed! I have been reconciled to You because of the work of Jesus, and I can rest. I rest in the fact that I’m forgiven. I rest in the fact that I’m accepted by You. I rest in the established fact—established by the blood of Jesus—that I’m a child of God. I take a firm grip on this promise by faith and I rest . . . because this is Your promise to me and You are faithful . . . in Jesus’ name!

 

My thoughts:
God established a day of rest.  Read Genesis 2 and discover that indeed after completing the creation of the heaven’s and earth, and all things therein.  What Paul then shares with us in Hebrews 4 is that as believers, as children of God, we are entitled to enter into this rest with our Father.  One day, when this life has drawn to a conclusion and our eyes have closed for the final time, we will find our rest, our peace our comfort in the bosom of our heavenly Father.

Wo be to the one who has rejected Jesus Christ though.  For God states that these will not find rest in Him.  They will not enter into His Kingdom, His rest and peace.  This is not because of God’s hatred or desire to punish, but because of a choice that every person must make.  Given the information, alternatives, choices in this life to accept Jesus Christ and follow His teachings or to turn away and reject Him, they have chosen the later. 

Throughout the scriptures we are given a perspective of what, those who refuse the good news, will receive in the last days.  Eternal separation from God, described as wrath and anger, described as a pit of fire, as screaming anguish and gnashing of teeth.  Far from rest, peace and love of the Father.  This is why our purpose on this earth is so important. 

We, who believe, are comforted to know that we are in the Father’s rest.  But, assuredly, you know 5 to 10 close family or friends that are not.  Shouldn’t we therefore be busy in the Lord’s work and sharing the love of Jesus Christ with them?  If not, then why not?  Please consider the reality the depth of love you have for your fellow man and take the action to do something about it.  Perhaps, putting our pride aside is called for, in order to help others find rest from their struggles in life.  Pray on this, won’t you?

 

Be Blessed,

Rich

 

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