09 01 08 There is Someone Who Gives Rest

“So then, dear brothers and sisters, be firm. Do not be moved! Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58 NET)

As Paul addressed a struggling church in Corinth during his missionary trip Ephesus (A.D. 56) he had to point out all sorts of areas that needed improvement. Corinth was a commercialized city, with diverse ethnic groups, widespread immorality, and a fixation upon sexuality and beauty. This sounds so much like our culture today! There was no doubt some disappointment and despair among the followers of Christ to press on with the Gospel.

Today (not just in this era, but TODAY) we face much in the form of opposition to the Gospel. Tolerance, political correctness, party platforms, and individual freedoms challenge our mandate to make disciples of all nations. We must remember we have all authority in heaven and on earth to do so by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! We must not back down!

Many ask the question that if God so loves, why is all this stuff going on? Why the immorality? Why the corruption? Why such laws? Why such crime, sickness, and natural disaster? Without getting too deep, it’s because we live in a sin-stained world and God gives us free will to follow Him or the world. Unfortunately, many follow the world and God has allowed us to have the consequences of our choices. The world is winding down to an end, and only those who know the Lord while they are breathing will escape eternal judgment. It’s my plea that everyone I know will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior before it’s too late.

One thing all the devastation makes us aware of; our need for someone to rescue us! There must be someone who can fix things; someone who can make it all better and wipe away every tear. THERE IS SOMEONE WHO GIVES REST and His name is Jesus. It is every believer’s task to live a life that allows others to see Jesus at work in this terrible world. In our family, people need to see Him. At our jobs, people need to see Him. In the grocery store and at the gas station, people need to see Him. When disaster strikes, hurting and desperate people need to see, hear, and feel HIM!

Will you pledge with me to let others know THERE IS SOMEONE WHO GIVES REST, someone who cares? The present situation may not change for a while, but. Jesus changes the future outcome. People need to know that there is a hope and a future that brings joy and victory. It’s not in this world or the things we possess while here. We must fix our eyes, our hearts, and our hope on Jesus!

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and steadfast, which reaches inside behind the curtain…” (Hebrews 6:19 NET)

The writer of Hebrews rests in the anchor of hope that reaches into the Holy of Holies, the place where the Spirit of God dwelt in the Jewish Tabernacle. It refers to the confidence that God alone knows our deepest needs and promises to hold onto us in the palm of His precious hand. People need that anchor, that hope, and that rest. We need to let them know! THERE IS SOMEONE WHO GIVES REST!