Trust in Christ is intended to bring a two-fold rest to our souls. The first part of Jesus’ invitation… “Come unto Me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I WILL GIVE YOU REST, is an invitation to salvation. To come out of the legalism of “religion,” or the heavy darkness of atheism, to rest in the finished work of the Cross, is a rest only Christ can give. Knowing we are “saved to the uttermost” and that Christ’s blood has “perfected forever” those who trust Him, is a glorious rest of salvation that never fades away and only grows more wonderful.
This next rest is a rest in discipleship and service.… “Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall FIND REST for your souls. For My yoke is easy (kind) and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Normally, “rest in service” sounds like opposing words. But this is a “discovered” rest that comes from walking daily with Jesus, through abiding in God’s Word and prayer.
As we grow in the knowledge of His will and turn our feet into His paths, we will discover the “rest” of walking in truth, of answered prayers, of knowing we’re living and serving where He has led, of knowing He will “work all things together for good”, of knowing “your labor is not vain in the Lord,” and of knowing He’s returning to “rescue us from this present evil age.”
The Christian life is a disciplined life like an athlete. It is a life of spiritual warfare like a soldier. It is a life of patient endurance like a gardener – that we can accomplish successfully only when our hearts and minds are at rest in Jesus. We have help for each day, strength for the way, and certainty of a greater Rest to come.
Are you at rest in Jesus?
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