Podcast: Play in new window | Download
This Week’s Devotional Topic
HIS REST
“Rest” is a concept found throughout scripture. As a person, it is vital that we have times of rest. Our body requires physical rest, sleep. Our minds need times of rest from the stress of this world. And our hearts, our spirit needs rest so that we can recharge and be refreshed.
Let us listen to scripture and learn from how the concept of ‘rest’ is described in God’s word.
Moses gave instructions and encouragement to the children of Israel in..
Deuteronomy 12:8-10 “You shall not do according to all that we are doing here today, everyone doing whatever is right in his own eyes, for you have not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance that the LORD your God is giving you. But when you go over the Jordan and live in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to inherit, and when he gives you rest from all your enemies around, so that you live in safety…”
God instructed that there be a rest for the land, as well as the working animals and the people from their work…
Exodus 23:10-12 “Six years you shall sow your land and gather in its produce, but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave, the beasts of the field may eat. In like manner you shall do with your vineyard and your olive grove. Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female servant and the stranger may be refreshed.
We will rest and cease all our earthly labor when this body dies. Death is referred to as rest or sleeping….
II Samuel 7:12 “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.
John 11:11-13 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
Psalm 37:3-7 Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
“Rest” also brings “Peace”…hear the voice of Jesus saying…
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
One of my fondest moments as a father was when I was holding one of our children. They were quietly resting, nestled snugly in my arms as I would slowly move back and forth in the rocking chair singing to them. Those were precious, restful moments for them and for me. Just that thought might bring back some memories for you. Think of this example as you enjoy the “rest” that your Heavenly Father wants for you today.
This week’s Scripture:
Deuteronomy 12:8-10; Hebrews 4:1-12; Exodus 23:10-12; II Samuel 7:12; John 11:11-13; Psalm 37:3-7; Matthew 11:28-30; II Corinthians 2:12,13; 7:5 and John 14:27
See this week’s playlist
