Rest!

Rest!

The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 AMPC

Today's extract is all about the God who calls us to Himself. He tells us who He is and what we get from coming to Him. First, He is the Lord our God. He isn't your buddy, who you can treat as you please, but He's God, the master of the universe. Don't let His love fool you into carelessness; He's both the Lion of Judah, as well as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

He's also the Saviour, who dealt with sin with a single sacrifice, and calls us all to walk in that freedom and grace made available. Even before I knew him or cared who he was, he loved me enough to die for me. He didn't look at my past, but saw what I could become, and he paved the way for me to get there. And that is the basis of his joy: that I am who I am, where I am, doing what He has called me to do, all because of his sacrifice.

Isn't it surprising to see the word 'rest' used in relation to God? We are called to work for our new master, and we are assured of a rest no other master can guarantee while we work and at the end of our labour. So, where is the rest for God coming from? It is from the finished work on the cross, and the seal of redemption for all who come to Him. My sin and past is forgiven and forgotten; the shame of my past is washed clean. He does not recall my sin or mention them anymore; I get a clean slate to be all He wants.

He will even sing over me. Heavens are in constant praise and as we have read, when anyone comes to the saving knowledge of Jesus, there is joy in heaven. So, the big question is: Is my life producing the joy that is spoken about here? Is my life totally surrendered to the Master of all life? Is He in charge or am I? Who you answer to now determines what becomes of you and where you end up. Make the right decision today: His time of favour is here.