COME AND REST: OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL, 28th DECEMBER 2018

MEMORISE:
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. Hebrews 4:9

READ: Mark 6: 30-32
30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.

31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.

MESSAGE
Our God is not a slave driver. He is a loving Father who wants restful peace for His children always. Even though He cannot by any means get tired, He rested after six days of creation to demonstrate to us the need for rest (Genesis 2:2). 

Consequently, whenever we find ourselves in a stressful situation where one cannot even find rest in sleep, a prayerful probe into the matter usually points either to human error or the threats of enemies. 

I pray for anyone passing through difficult time, burdened with the load of life and without any hope of deliverance in sight: receive God’s rest now in Jesus’ Name.

Rest from enemies and travails of life has been the greatest concern of mankind from one generation to another. Since God’s judgment came on humanity for the wrongdoing of Adam and Eve, hardship, trouble and travail have become a daily experience for people (Genesis 3:17-19). 

Humanity labored under these harsh conditions without any respite until the advent of Jesus, the Messiah and Savior of the world. In Matthew 11:28, He invited us all-round rest in Himself, saying:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

This proclamation presents Jesus as the source of rest from labor without reward, rest from adversaries, rest from life’s troubles, and the promised rest with God in eternity. All those all those who answer His call will receive all-round rest here on earth and eternal rest with God in heaven.

Rest can also be an expression of trust or reliance. When a person ceases from all personal efforts in a troubled situation, it implies confidence in and dependence on the assistance of a higher power. Those who turn to Jesus for rest can never be disappointed. Psalm 37:7 says:

“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.”

Through this scripture, the Holy Spirit is emphasizing that when an enemy is so powerful, well connected and reputed to have successfully carried out wicked plans in the past, you should rest in the Lord and patiently wait for His salvation, because our God is the final authority in heaven and on earth. 

As you accept the Lord’s invitation to come into His rest today, no matter what you are going through, you will find rest for your soul in Jesus’ Name.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please give me all-round rest in the new year I am going into, in Jesus’ Name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Zechariah 1-6, John 19:17-42

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 18: CONQUEROR AND OVERCOMERS NOW ARE WE
1. Conquerors and overcomers now are we,
Thro' the precious blood of Christ we've victory
If the Lord be for us we can never fail,
Nothing 'gainst His mighty power can e'er prevail.

Chorus
Conquerors are we, thr'o the blood of Jesus
God will give us victory, thro' the blood of Jesus
Through the Lamb for sinners slain,
Yet who lives and reigns again,
More than conquerors are we,
More than conquerors are we.

2. In the name of Israel's God we'll onward press,
Overcoming sin and all unrighteousness;
Not to us but unto Him the praise shall be,
For salvation and for blood bought victory.

3. Unto Him that overcometh shall be given,
Here to eat of hidden manna sent from Heaven,
Over yonder He the victors palm shall bear,
And a robe of white, and golden crown shall wear.