Rest In Christ

Wrestling with Truth and Divine Will Experiencing internal conflict while traveling, contemplating a profound truth from Matthew 11. Soul grieved due to God’s will differing from personal prayers. Acknowledges God’s superior knowledge and plan. “I’m glad God’s God and I ain’t. He knows what to do and I don’t.” Affirms obedience to God and appreciation for the Holy Ghost. Scripture: Matthew 11:25-30 Jesus thanks the Father for revealing truths to “babes” and hiding them from the “wise and prudent.” “I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and true, and hast revealed them unto babes.” All things are delivered to Jesus by the Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, nor the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son reveals Him. Invitation to those who labor and are heavy laden: “Come unto me, all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Take His yoke and learn from Him, for He is meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me. For I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. Prayer and Reflection Praying for those who struggle, grieve, and bear burdens. Recognizing God’s faithfulness, goodness, and graciousness regardless of circumstances. Thankful for God’s promises based on His will, not on personal merit. Acknowledging personal inability to fix needs, trusting in God’s intervention. Word of God as a “rescue” and “lifeline” for souls. The “Post-it Note” of the Holy Spirit A verse quoted by Brother Robert on Sunday morning deeply resonated. The Holy Spirit’s “unction” or “nudge” prompts deeper exploration of scripture. Like a “post-it note up in my heart.” Familiar scripture can lose its effect over time. Desire to avoid becoming “anesthetized” or “indifferent” to the truth. Personal desire to be moved by the truth of Jesus’ invitation to “come unto me and I’ll give you rest.” The Invitation to “Come” The invitation is personal: “You come. Not your neighbor.” The invitation is for those who are “burdened and are heavy laden.” Many carry burdens, grief, and unresolved problems. Acknowledging personal lack of answers, but knowing the One who has promised rest. Danger of taking prayer and access to God for granted. Reminder of the greatness of God, the “One on high who created everything.” Importance of reverence and fear in approaching God. Personal Testimony and Revelation Remembering the day the Holy Ghost convicted the soul, leading to repentance. Jesus reveals the Father, leading to a life-changing encounter. Concern that the opportunity to kneel in God’s presence is no longer an “amazement.” Lamenting that many with the invitation of Christ do not seek Him. The opposite of coming to God is “not coming,” requiring a response. Instantaneous transformation from sinner to saint through the Holy Spirit. “It wasn’t five minutes after that He made me a saint.” The Holy Ghost lives within, constantly inviting to “come.” Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” The Holy Spirit is fully given at salvation, not partially. “You didn’t get part of the Holy Spirit…You got the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit sets up a “home” within and says, “Come.” Jesus’ Grief and Compassion Jesus was grieved by the events leading up to the invitation in Matthew 11. He was troubled by the imprisonment of John the Baptist and the disciples’ lack of understanding. Jesus rebuked those who followed John half-heartedly. He pronounced “woe” upon cities that did not repent despite witnessing His mighty works. “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida!” Jesus thanked the Father for hiding truths from the “wise and prudent” and revealing them to “babes.” All things are delivered to Jesus by the Father, and no one can know the Father except through Him. Christ is the perfect example of meekness, offering a simple invitation to the burdened. The Bride Says, “Come” The bride (the church) should be inviting others to come to Christ. Concern that other things have taken the place of the “great commission.” The gospel should be declared to every creature, inviting them to come to Him. Rest from What? Rest for the soul, which gets grieved by the world. Rest from the “darkness that is around us.” Rest for the mind, where the devil has “his most fun.” The “renewing of the mind” is a form of rest. Rest experienced during worship and the presence of the Holy Spirit. True rest is found in God, not in worldly pursuits. “You’ll not find rest for your soul and mind until you stop and come to God.” Rest from the “terror of sin,” both past and present. Gladness for the future freedom from sin. The Promise of God Thankfulness for a place (the church) where God keeps His promise to be in the midst when two or three gather in His name. Rest from condemnation, despite the devil’s accusations. The devil is a liar, and his lies should not be entertained. Condemnation brings unnecessary dread and fear. Rest is available by coming to Jesus. “Jesus said, come unto me and I will give you rest.” Common cares and burdens of life are shared within the community. Reminder of 1 Thessalonians 4: sorrowing with hope. Importance of getting the Holy Spirit and finding rest in the house of God. Philip and Nathaniel Philip’s compelling invitation to Nathaniel: “Come and see.” Nathaniel initially doubted, but Philip’s invitation led him to follow Jesus. Jesus recognized Nathaniel’s integrity: “An Israelite in whom there is no guile!” Nathaniel found rest and no longer doubted Jesus. Every time one goes to Him, He never leaves. Hebrews 4: There Remains a Rest A rest that Christ promised if one will just go. It’s a personal choice to come to Him. Doubt that everyone is close to God or without needs. Personal dependence on Christ every second of the day. Thankfulness for the “little bit of rest” received. Dread of future challenges, but assurance of God’s presence. Invitation to pray and seek rest. The choice is to carry burdens alone or find rest in Christ.