The Prophetic Word - Day 109: There is rest in His presence.

“And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth.”” ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭33‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Jesus had been speaking about the judgment awaiting those who had not repented even in the presence of the mighty works He had done.

He then prays to the Father, thanking Him that there are those who were trying to understand: babes who were not counted as being wise.

Jesus then tells the people that He has the authority (and ability) to reveal the Father to them. It is within this context that He makes this wonderful invitation:

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28-‭30‬ ‭NLT

Basically, Jesus is offering those who will come under His yoke, His teaching, His authority, access to knowing the Father Himself. As well, this knowledge of the Father brings rest for the soul!

Now, one might ask whether it is our direct involvement with Christ, His presence, or is it the knowledge of the Lord, that brings soul-rest. The answer: It is both His presence and the knowledge of Him that brings true rest!

When I was very young, I knew my father was capable of protecting me from harm and danger. Therefore, I had no fear of harm when in his presence. With that, I knew him. I knew his nature. I knew his character. And, when I was in his presence, knowing what I knew about him, I was at rest.

As my father got older, although his physical strength and prowess declined, his spiritual strength continued to be a source of rest for my soul. However, when he went to be with the Lord, I learned that the Lord was still with me, bringing rest to my soul. And, His rest could never be taken away from me!

The children of Israel had failed miserably while waiting for Moses to return from being in the Lord‘s presence on Mount Sinai. As a result of their terrible deeds, the Lord—when directing Moses to leave Mount Sinai to continue on their journey—said that He would not go with them. He said that because they were stiff-necked, they might be consumed by His presence.

Moses made an urgent appeal to God, declaring that he could not go on unless he was assured that the Lord would be with him. The Lord then promises that He will be with them and that He would give them rest.

There is rest in the presence of the Lord. And, there is rest in the knowledge we obtain about Him in His presence.

However, as we commented yesterday, even many Christians have not entered into true rest. The reason for that is, if we are not totally submitted to His yoke, to His leadership, in ALL areas of our lives, we will not have the true rest He offers.

We will talk more about this tomorrow.

Peace to you. Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him! #ThePropheticWord