What is God's rest?

The first aspect is the rest of salvation, where through faith in Jesus, we are reconciled with God and find peace in His presence. The second aspect is the rest we can experience in our earthly lives, finding peace and contentment amid the challenges and struggles we face.

In Joshua 23:1, it is mentioned that after the Lord had given rest to Israel from their enemies, Joshua grew old. This verse highlights that the people of Israel finally experienced a time of rest from the constant battles and opposition they had faced.

Exodus 6:8 states that God promises to give the land to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as a heritage. This promise is a sign of rest. 

Overall, the deliverance that God provides is not temporary or superficial. It leads to a place of promise, satisfaction, and fulfillment both in our spiritual lives and in our earthly journey.

Christ our Passover Lamb

The symbolism of the blood on the post during the Passover is significant as it represents the lamb and serves not only as a visual reminder but also as sustenance. In a similar way, as believers, we are called to feed upon Christ. Christ is often referred to as the Lamb of God, emphasizing his sacrificial nature. While some churches believe in simply looking upon Christ, it is important to understand that we are meant to both look upon and feed upon Christ. Looking upon Christ brings deliverance and preservation, while feeding on Christ provides nourishment to believers.

The children of Israel were taught that their protection and mercy were not rewards for their own righteousness but rather gifts of mercy. They were reminded that all blessings came through the shedding and sprinkling of blood. This parallels the significance of the Passover as a type of Christ our Redeemer. In John 1:29, John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. 1 Corinthians 5:7 further emphasizes that Christ is our Passover sacrifice.

Jesus, referred to as the Lamb without blemish in Revelation, was sinless and declared innocent by the judge who condemned him. The paschal lamb was set apart for four days before being slain and roasted with fire, symbolizing the painful sufferings of Jesus. It is significant that not a bone of the lamb was broken, as this denotes the unbroken strength of Jesus. The sprinkling of the blood represents the application of Jesus' merits and sacrifice on our behalf. We must receive and apply the benefits of Christ's sacrifice through faith.

Just as the blood was sprinkled on the door-posts during the Passover, our faith in Christ should be openly professed. This act signifies our reliance on Jesus and our acceptance of his sacrifice for our salvation. Romans 5:11 highlights the importance of faith in accessing the promises and benefits of the blood of Christ. Faith acts as the bunch of hyssop, which allows us to apply the promises and benefits of Christ's blood to our own lives.

God's word vs Man's freewill

It is important to understand that God’s word carries significance and the choice to either obey or disregard it can have consequences. While God desires that everyone embrace His teachings, it is ultimately up to each individual to decide whether to follow His word or not. It is through our obedience and alignment with His guidance that we can experience His intervention and blessings. However, if someone chooses to neglect or disobey God’s word, it does not mean that God is uncaring or indifferent. Rather, it reflects the individual’s decision to distance themselves from His divine intervention. God respects our free will and allows us to make choices, but it is always our responsibility to align ourselves with His teachings for a life filled with His grace and blessings.

Agents of Change

In the world at large, believers of Christ Jesus are tempted to adopt a diluted faith, one that is comfortable and conformed to the ways of the world. This often leads to seeking worldly approval and pursuing material gain in the name of God.

Psalm 50:9-17 draws a clear distinction between the people of God and those aligned with Satan. It emphasizes that God does not accept every offering or hear every prayer. There is a division between two families, those who truly belong to God and those who show outward religiosity while rejecting His instruction.

God does not answer the prayers of unbelievers unless they come with genuine repentance and faith in Christ Jesus for salvation. The sinner's prayer is not merely a prayer but an act of repentance, confessing and believing in Jesus. Without sincere repentance, an unbeliever's acts of giving, praying, fasting, or any religious sacrifice are empty.

Another distinct separation is emphasized in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. Believers are warned not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, as there is no fellowship between righteousness and unrighteousness, light and darkness. Christians are called to be separate and to avoid the impurities of the world, for they are the temple of the living God.

God desires His followers to live separate from the ways of the world, as mentioned in Galatians 1:4. Christians are called to be a light in the darkness, demonstrating a distinct lifestyle and bearing witness through their actions. By renewing their minds with the Word of God and obeying His commands, Christians can become true bearers of light.

The key is not conformity to the world but transformation through the renewing of the mind. It is through the word of God and obedience to His teachings that believers become agents of change, shining brightly amidst the darkness.

Why God harden hearts

To harden one's heart means to stubbornly resist, ignore, or reject the truth or guidance that is presented. In the case of Pharaoh, it was not just a matter of him desiring to have a tender heart and turn to God. There was an underlying rebellion within him, and he consistently tried to cover up his true intentions. Many people may have strong feelings or beliefs but choose not to speak out about them, often compromising for various reasons. Similarly, Pharaoh did not genuinely want to let the children of Israel go; instead, he wanted to appear benevolent while masking his true motives. In response to this, God planned to expose Pharaoh's true nature, making him reveal what was truly in his heart. It can be compared to God taking Pharaoh to court and challenging him to be truthful and consistent, as it is incongruous to say one thing and do another. This serves as a reminder that on the day of judgment, every individual will be seen as they truly are, without any pretense or falsehood. Nothing can be hidden, and the true nature of each person will be revealed.

God's deliverance does not always come as a simple and effortless solution. Instead, it often involves addressing the root causes of the problem. When we pray for deliverance, it is possible that the situation may initially worsen. This can occur because in order for God to bring about something new, the underlying issues or "dirty laundry" that needs to be sorted, washed, and aired out must be addressed. An example of this can be seen in the story of Abraham and Sarah. Before the birth of their son Isaac, they had to confront their sins, including their fears and tendency to lie. These issues had become chronic, and God allowed them to face trials, such as the encounter with Abimelech, to expose their lies. For decades, they had been pretending that Sarah was Abraham's sister, particularly when they were in the presence of Pharaoh. Although Pharaoh detested and feared the children of Israel, he was adept at using political strategies to mask his true intentions with pious remarks and acts that projected fairness. However, God was going to make him reveal his true colors. This underscores the idea that genuine deliverance often requires facing and resolving deep-rooted issues rather than seeking a quick and easy way out.

Bodies Fittly Joined

It is true that many churches, organizations, and individuals encourage people to come as they are and serve God. However, it is equally important to establish structure and order within these settings. Unfortunately, there are instances where individuals assume roles such as preaching, singing, dancing, or serving without being equipped or called to do so. This can lead to confusion and a lack of alignment within the body of Christ.

Instead, it is crucial for each person to discern and discover what God has specifically equipped them to do. By identifying and embracing their unique gifts and talents, individuals can serve in their designated areas and contribute to the overall harmony of the body of Christ. Just like our physical bodies, which are perfectly designed with each part having a specific role, the body of Christ should strive for alignment and unity.

In Ephesians 4:16, it is described how the entire body, when properly joined together and supported by each part, functions effectively and grows in love. This verse emphasizes the importance of each individual functioning in their designated role within the body, allowing for the edification and growth of the whole community in a harmonious and loving manner in Christ Jesus.

Canaan: a place of rest

Then the church is rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were are multiplied. - Acts 9:31

The Canaan is of utmost significance as a divine location where God leads His people. Just as God brought the Israelites out of Egypt and guided them to a new place of rest, similarly, when a person experiences a spiritual rebirth and becomes a child of God, they are called out from the ways of the world and directed towards a heavenly rest in Christ Jesus. This heavenly rest is a special place appointed by God.It is crucial to understand that God's plan extends beyond delivering us and leaving us to wander in the wilderness of this earthly life. He has a specific destination in mind for each of us, a place where we can find ultimate rest and fulfillment.

Ultimately, heaven serves as the ultimate and special place for every believer. However, it is also important to recognize that our journey doesn’t only pertain to the afterlife. As we grow in our faith and relationship with Christ, we experience a sense of rest and peace in Him while we navigate our lives here on earth. So, while heaven remains the ultimate destination, we can find solace and tranquility in our present circumstances by seeking and finding rest in Christ Jesus.