Hebrews 3: 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Hebrews 4: 1Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
There is so much to learn. By the time of the altar call, there should be no question about being right with God. What Jesus gives us is not the peace the world offers. What little bit the world offers is not real, not lasting. Isaiah says there is no peace to the wicked. Those who don’t know Jesus have no peace. It’s just not there. There is no rest to the heart that doesn’t know the Lord as Savior.
Thank God for rest. It’s a blessing to sleep and rest. When I went through that bad health time in November, the sleep deprivation was the worst thing. I knew that if the Lord didn’t intervene my body was shutting down. Aren’t you thankful for a good night’s rest? It makes all the difference in the world. This is what’s missing in the world. We live in a time of people having more than ever. We eat better than ever. There are all sorts of activities to get into. With that comes a million ways to sin. There is a common denominator to it all. There is no rest, no peace, and no satisfaction in the world. It might be enjoyed for a while but it fizzles away. There is something missing and it has to do with the soul. Things of the world can satisfy the flesh temporarily, but they cannot touch the heart and soul. There is nothing the world, life, Satan or sin can give that helps you deep down. What is needed is rest for the soul. Celebrities have it all. You’d think they’d really be happy but they are not. Why then do we think things will make a difference, make us happy? There is no rest with the world.
This is why Jesus came. He laid his sovereignty aside and became like us. He was tempted like we are. He laid aside his own peace for us. He told his followers that foxes had holes but the Son of Man didn’t have a place to lay his head. Many times while others slept Jesus prayed. In the garden he prayed in agony so we’d have rest. Before we have rest in our soul we must mix faith with what we know. Take what Jesus offers and mix it with faith and it becomes reality. When blood of the Lamb covers your heart there is peace. You are reconciled to God and him to you. The trinkets here do us no good. Many times they rob us of what we have in God. If doubt, unbelief and impatience get in the way, the rest doesn’t work. You’ll be miserable just like the Prodigal Son. It didn’t take long for the devil to drain him. He ended up in a hog pen without rest. He realized he did it to himself by leaving the father’s house. He left everything he could count on. Your best friend is not of this world. It is Jesus Christ. What a rest we have in him! The Prodigal went back home; the father met him, clothed him, and fed him. He got his old bed back. There remains a place for you, a bed to rest in. There is a place at the table of God for you. The Prodigal’s father threw a big feast because his son was home. The son had rest again. The world can take away lots of things but it cannot take your rest.
The disciples were on a ship during a storm. Jesus was asleep in the back of the ship. Peter, James, and John were coming apart but Jesus was sound asleep. How could he have slept then? The disciples woke him. Jesus spoke peace to the storm. The winds and waters stopped raging; there was calm. Jesus asked why they were fearful. Instead of chasing our tail like a dog, remember Jesus has given us rest and peace.
The outward man may perish but mix peace with faith and the inward man will be renewed every day. With Jesus we’re young forever. The gift of God is eternal life and with that comes eternal peace. Jesus stayed awake so we could rest. It’s time to put it all to rest with Jesus.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 