Rest 3!

Rest 3!

‭Exodus 33:14 AMP‬

[14] And the Lord said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest [by bringing you and the people into the promised land].” [Deut 3:20]

At the heart of the verse above lie two very important stories. First, the rebellion and disobedience of Israel had reached fever point with God, and He made it clear He would not go with them anymore, lest He destroys them on the way to the land He had promised to give them. That holds a lesson for me, as I seek the rest that God promises. I cannot access it in the midst of disobedience or rebellion against God's express commands. How does God lead and direct a man into His rest, if such a man would not heed instructions? How can God bring a man into rest if that man has not first been brought into submission? Am I in any way like Israel, fixed on doing things my own way, or going down my own path, even when it is clear that it is wrong? 

The second story had to do with the man leading Israel, under God's command, and that was Moses. He had met with God; knew who God is, and what God could do. He also knew what God's expectations were, and he would strive to do anything to stay in God's purpose for his life. That was why Moses asked God, in the verses just before the response of in the verse above, if God could teach him His ways, so he would know Him and continue to find favour with Him. That is a very important prayer point, because it shows the heart of a man who wants to walk into the fulfilment of God's purpose for him. What do you consider important? Is it just daily food and drink, or are there other pressing things that you need God to show and teach you, so you can be the person He can find as a useful vessel for such times like these? 

The response of God as captured in the verse above is quite illuminating. God never turns a man down when the desire is to know more about God. God's response to Moses is that He would go with Him, and also give him rest. It is instructive to note that God said He would send an angel to go ahead of Israel and drive out the enemy, but He, as God, would not go with them. For Moses, God was ready to go with him, and also give him rest. Who says my life's choices do not matter? Who says I can get away with living as I please?  Whatever else I have, if God is not with me, it will not last. If God is with me, it does not matter what I do not have yet; if it is God's will that I get it, He will make it happen. Do not dare face the world without God's help. The promise of the promised land still stands. If I want it, I must be in Him. Are you? God's time of favour is here.