God’s Rest

On the 2nd Day He Rested

/ pastorpete51 / 3 Comments

From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised  Matthew 16:21 ESV

We all know what happened on that first day, that terrible and blessed day on the cross. On the third day it is very clear that Jesus rose from the dead. But in spite of many ideas and even elaborate tales no one truly knows just what occurred on Holy Saturday. So can we ask the question, “What if Jesus simply rested? What if when Jesus said, “It is finished!” and gave His spirit into his father’s hands He just rested without sorrow, suffering or demands of any kind for that day. What if after three and a half years of ministry in which it was said that he had nowhere to lay his head and scarcely time to eat; that Jesus chose to rest in His Father’s ability to do all that needed to be done for the day.

KIMG0757

What if Jesus rested because it was the Sabbath? What if like a field rests in Winter waiting for Spring rains He lay quietly just as on the day in which the creation of the heavens was completed? Perhaps Jesus just paused to see everything that was good in the new creation now begun. What if there are times in our own lives when there is nothing more holy to do than nothing? What if on this Holy Saturday we could quietly reflect and rest in the completed work of Jesus Christ. What would our lives be like if for even one day we simply trusted God to do all?

All the Way With Christ

/ pastorpete51 / Leave a comment

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:11‭-‬13 NKJV

Contentment is not like a parking space where we can get out saying “I have arrived” Contentment is a dynamic relationship with Christ – He alone is the endless source of renewable energy who will keep us running all the way home to Heaven’s door.

Finding Rest

/ pastorpete51 / Leave a comment

I have found that most of my frustration, stress and anger has its roots down deep in my own personal pride. I get frustrated when I can’t get something accomplished, because it is humbling to admit that something is beyond my ability. Stress keeps me awake at night juggling ideas on how to deal with a broken situation that only God can fix. My anger at people around me usually reflects that I wish they would act differently towards me instead of realizing that only God is in control.

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[f]gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

If you are even a little bit like me, then be encouraged; Jesus has some good news for us! In our mailbox today is an invitation to come to Him and learn a better way. Notice, Jesus didn’t say, “Get your act together and get over here!” He gently asks us to come and learn. At times like right now when I am worn down and feeling alone, He opens His arms and calls; “Come sit by the well with me and listen.” There in the silence of His meekness by the still waters of the humility of Jesus is now as always a rest for my soul.

What about you dear brother or sister? Are you ready to rest? There is no more better place of true service than in the quietness by the side of Jesus Christ.

1536835335917_image.jpg