Freeze! You are Under a Rest!
Growing up there were specific things my parents would share that would cause a source of
jubilee for my siblings and I. Doughnut runs and all the sugary goodness they brought forth,
having family friends visit from out of state, or maybe even a new furry companion soon to
join the Davis clan. All of these announcements were awesome, but one of my favorite things
was when we were blessed to be able to go on a family vacation! The anticipation of spending
a week at the beach, soaking up God’s beautiful creation each day, and fulfilling the desire to
build giant bonfires each night always brought joy to my heart. No matter where the location,
I would always look forward to disconnect for however long just to spend time with my family
and to rest.
In Second Thessalonians, we learn that the church in Thessalonica was going through some
persecution and hardships. Because of this, Paul, being inspired by the Holy Spirit reminded
the church of some amazing truths! Second Thessalonians 1:7 says “…and to give you who
are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty
angels…” Later, in verse 10 he says, “…When He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His
saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was
believed.” We are reminded of two of God’s promises; first, all believers will one day be
ushered into the presence of God receiving the ultimate rest for all of eternity. Secondly, there
will be many who will get the amazing blessing of actually receiving this news by Jesus
Himself! What a joyous day that will be for those who anticipate Christ’s coming!
No matter where we are or what we do in life we can easily struggle with a “here and now”
mindset. We can start getting caught up in stressing about persecutions, financial instability,
painful trials, difficult seasons etc. In this fast paced world we live in, sometimes we just need
to slow down to simply freeze at the feet of Jesus, sitting before Him and laying those burdens
down. Church, there is an amazing reward of rest awaiting us in the heavens above us! It’s
better than any vacation this world has to offer—we get to experience non-stop “FaceTime”
with our Father in paradise and be with our spiritual family, the body of Christ! Let us find
rest by receiving this truth: this life is but a vapor, yet heaven lasts forever.
Jacob Davis
Copyright © 2016 Wildwood Calvary Chapel
Scripture taken from the New King James Version.
Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.