Memorise: “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.”- Hebrews 4:9
Read: Mark 6:30-32(KJV)
30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.
31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.
Bible in One Year: Zechariah 1-6, John 19:17-42
MESSAGE:
Our God is not a slave driver. He is a loving Father who wants restful peace for His children always. Even though He cannot by any means get tired, He rested after six days of creation to demonstrate to us the need for rest (Genesis 2:2).
Consequently, whenever we find ourselves in a stressful situation where one cannot even find rest in sleep, a prayerful probe into the matter usually points either to human error or the threats of enemies. I pray for anyone passing through difficult time, burdened with the load of life and without any hope of deliverance in sight: receive God’s rest now in Jesus’ Name.
Rest from enemies and travails of life have been the greatest concern of mankind from one generation to another. Since God’s judgment came on humanity for the wrongdoing of Adam and Eve, hardship, trouble and travail have become a daily experience for people (Genesis 3:17-19). Humanity labored under these harsh conditions without any respite until the advent of Jesus, the Messiah and Savior of the world. In Matthew 11:28, He invited us to all-round rest in Himself, saying:
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
This proclamation presents Jesus as the source of rest from labor without reward, rest from adversaries, rest from life’s troubles, and the promised rest with God in eternity. All those who answer His call will receive all-round rest here on earth and eternal rest with God in heaven.
Rest can also be an expression of trust or reliance. When a person ceases from all personal efforts in a troubled situation, it implies confidence in and dependence on the assistance of a higher power. Those who turn to Jesus for rest can never be disappointed. Psalm 37:7 says:
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.”
Through this scripture, the Holy Spirit is emphasizing that when an enemy is so powerful, well connected and reputed to have successfully carried out wicked plans in the past, you should rest in the Lord and patiently wait for His salvation, because our God is the final authority in heaven and on earth. As you accept the Lord’s invitation to come into His rest today, no matter what you are going through, you will find rest for your soul in Jesus’ Name.
Prayer Point:Father, please give me all-round rest in the New Year I am going into, in Jesus’ Name.
Open Heaven 28 December 2018 Friday Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.
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