Thinking Like a Christian

pastor peteA series of Scripture meditations on what the Bible teaches about the Christian life.

by Pastor Pete Beck III

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Finding Rest in God

 

That same day Pharaoh commanded the slave masters and foremen who were over the people: 7 “You must no longer give straw to the people for making bricks as before. Let them go and collect straw for themselves. 8 But you must require of them the same quota of bricks that they were making before. Do not reduce it, for they are slackers. That is why they are crying, ‘Let us go sacrifice to our God.’ 9 Make the work harder for the men so they will keep at it and pay no attention to lying words!” 10 So the slave masters of the people and their foremen went to the Israelites and said, “Thus says Pharaoh: ‘I am not giving you straw. 11 You go get straw for yourselves wherever you can find it, because there will be no reduction at all in your workload.’” Exodus 5:6-11 (NET1)

 

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry. Matthew 11:28-30 (NET1)

The contrast between God and the enemy of our souls (represented by Pharaoh) could not be more stark. God calls us aside to worship him and spend time in his presence; whereas, our spiritual enemy demands that we work harder and harder so that our bondage will become more severe. Any call to worship and prayer will be met with stiff resistance from the devil. Sometimes we willingly go along with the scheme by buying into a legalistic approach to relating to God. The Law is also a cruel taskmaster which offers us no help in the fruitless attempt to earn our own righteousness. Jesus warned:

They tie up heavy loads, hard to carry, and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing even to lift a finger to move them. Matthew 23:4 (NET1)

 

The only way of escape is by participating in the grand exodus from slavery that took place some two thousand years ago when the blood of the Lamb of God was applied to the lives of everyone who puts his or her faith in Christ. Through the cross we have been liberated from a cruel bondage to sin, Satan, death and the Law. Thanks be God! Today is the day to avail yourself of this gift of life and freedom, if you have not already done so.

 

Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. 39 Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God—something the law of Moses could never do. Acts 13:38-39 (NLT) 

All you have to do is cry out to God with all your heart. If you seek him, you will find him. Ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. Submit your life to God. Receive the forgiveness that can be yours. Receive the life of the indwelling Spirit of Christ. You will never be sorry! You will never be the same!

 

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