Text: II Peter 3:10-ff.
Today we are going to discuss a topic that I believe many times we do not truly understand. Resting in the Lord. What this does not mean is sitting on our lazy boys and watching the show. I think this is probably the most popular belief. I do not think you will find one scripture that teaches us to sit back and watch what is going on around us in this world. Matter of fact, the scripture warns us about getting settled on our lees. This is like the pulp of orange juice settling on the bottom because of lack of movement. God wants us to keep moving and keep fighting the good fight of faith.
Resting in the Lord is a way of active living and serving the Lord. Jesus Christ never just sat back and watched. Even when He was tired and exhausted, He continued to serve in the power of the Father. The Lord tells us to come unto Him if we are weary, Matt. 11:28-30.
There are many things in this life that call unto us. If we are not careful and sober minded, we will turn to those temporal things to find rest and be very let down. The things of this world only bring false or fake rest and it never lasts. This life is full or labors and burdens that wear us down. There are many times that we feel like giving up or letting the flesh win but we must rest in the Lord and carry on through His resurrection power.
When we turn to Christ, He promises to give rest. Christ tells us to take His yoke. This is an option and a choice that each of us must make continually. The word yoke means to be coupled together. We are coupled with Christ as we work out our salvation with fear and trembling, Phil. 2:12, 13.
We are then told to learn from Christ. This means to emulate His actions and character. What is that character? Christ was meek and lowly of mind. He knew how to contain the beast within and let the Word control His emotions and actions. Meekness is strength under control. He was also lowly of mind meaning He placed Himself under those He served. Christ came not to be served but to serve. Will we rest in the Lord this week?