I for certain need rest. I never realize that anymore than I do during tent meeting week. I wish I was spiritually prepared going into the week. But that has seldom, if ever, been the case. I’m always worn out. Physically, spiritually and emotionally. Which may say more about the condition of my heart than I like to admit. But as I awoke this morning and went straight to the kitchen, started my coffee, unloaded the dishwasher, cleaned the counters, bagged the garbage and then back to make the bed, I realized that I already needed rest and the day hadn’t even reached 6 a.m. yet. Welcome to the world of the Jesus Chick. It’s so glamorous! 😄
So I went in on my freshly made made, piled up the pillows, climbed in the middle and got out the word of God.
Ahhhh rest.
Oh Lord Jesus, I love how you speak rest to my weary soul…
THE BEGINNING OF THAT PLACE
Hebrews 4
[1] Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. [2] For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. [3] For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. [4] For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
That “certain place” was in the book of Genesis. At the beginning, the foundation of the world; when God created it and then sat down and enjoyed it. I do that usually after I create something too, be it art, writing, music… I sit back and rest in what the Lord has done through me. Because for certain without Him, nothing could happen. Although God really didn’t need the rest, because He is God; imagine Him seeing the earth in its purest, undefiled form of beauty. No wonder He just rested on that seventh day and took it in! And in this place again He says we shall enter into His rest.
There are days that I’m ready. Lord take me home! And then I think of what’s left undone, and my heart goes into overdrive, because I realize that there isn’t much time left. And there are many who do not understand, because they have no faith. They’re not going to enter in to that final rest with me. And it breaks my heart. When God created the earth in the beginning, He knew there would be a day when He and the people He created would rest in that place. But not all and not until it would be recreated in the final days. The ones we’re heading into.
[5] And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. [6] Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: [7] Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. [8] For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
God spoke through King David on a “certain day.” One of my favorite people, and someone I have a hard time wrapping my mind around meeting. In that future rest, I’ll meet the man that penned those words in Psalm 95 when he wrote:
THE MIDDLE OF THAT PLACE
Psalm 95:7-11 KJV
[7] For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, [8] Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: [9] When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. [10] Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: [11] Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.
Those are the days that I fear for my people. The ones who have yet to come to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. They’ll never know true rest if not for Him. I know this as a fact, because I have experienced it and God has given me opportunity to share it. But times have not changed so much since the day the scripture was written, because the people are still hardening their hearts. Refusing to accept the price paid for the rest, or the purpose He has in our creation. We are His sheep. Stupid sheep. Who will stray off the path away from the Shepherd in a heart beat because of the distractions of this world.
We are in the middle of that place. Somewhere between creation and eternity, wandering around. We have purpose, but deed, I struggle with living in it. It’s why I’m always tired. Even though God has given me a spiritual rest through His Holy Spirit, I still refuse to get into that certain place, until I collapse in it like this morning. And I’m reading God’s word in awe. Perhaps it’s not even making any sense to you, but for me I see God’s purpose in the writer of Hebrews, and David and myself (not that I compare to them) but the fact that God chooses to use me in the middle of this place. For He is God and we are His people! Oh my ✨ stars, how awesome that is. I don’t want to aggravate God like the children of Israel did, but I feel like I too have done my share of wandering.
Stupid Sheep.
Back to Hebrews:
THAT PLACE
I know I’m only unpacking a smidge of this scripture. There is so much in here. But its like the cheesecake I’m having for breakfast, too much of it’s goodness is overwhelming. So I only eat a slice… or two. 😋 Which, if I don’t quit, is going to get me to “that” place sooner than later. And I really have more to do!
[9] There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. [10] For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. [11] Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. [12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. [13] Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. [14] Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. [15] For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. [16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
What would Jesus do? Well, He wouldn’t have ate the second piece of cheesecake. 🍰 Or would He? It’s irrelevant in the scope of eternity, but not so much in the place we’re in. What is relevant is this word for me this morning… His word indeed pierced my soul and He discerned my thoughts and intents. He knew I was tired, overwhelmed and in need of rest. That is why He is in Heaven, my High Priest, Who has been where I am, but He didn’t eat the cake. He is without sin. Praise God, I can come boldly to the throne of grace and get the help I need for such a times as this. In this world with a whole lot of other stupid sheep. I am not alone.