One of the great sayings of Christ which is often quoted is 'come to me and I will give you rest'. There is much more than a feeling of repose in this rest – as we look at the evidence of what rest means.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)
The great key to obtaining this rest in the soul is seen in the meekness (humbleness, gentleness) and lowliness. Though Christ argued with many people – there are intense arguments recorded where Christ insults people, including calling some vipers (Mat 12:34,23:33) and whited sepulchres (Mat 23:27) - his soul was in accord humbly with that of his Father and he was therefore at peace.
It is a huge burden to give away to relinquish our own views, and wholly and humbly accept statutes, laws and ideas other than our own.
If we walk wholly in the God of Israel's way, humbly following the ways of God – even as the great leader Moses, who because of his obedience was called the meekest of all men (Num. 12:3) - then we will have the best rest possible in this age.
he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. (Exodus 33:14)
As we know a lot about Moses' life leading a rebellious people, we may understand that the rest promised in his life leading Israel was mental - not physical- unless the rest promised was in the future. We know that the God of Israel's presence went with Moses, as there is mention of the Glory over the Tabernacle manifested as fire by night and cloud by day and we know of the miracles done.
We know that we may have mental rest in this age – to some extent – as by contrast the wicked have no rest.
But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. (Isaiah 57:20-21)
We also know we may have rest in this age – as those that discipline their children have some degree of rest.
Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. (Proverbs 29:17)
There is a good rest in serving Yahweh Elohim of Israel in this age, but it is a mere shadow of the better rest to come in the kingdom of God.
For if Jesus (Joshua context) had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. (Hebrews 4:8-10)
When Israel is promised national rest, it is when the people have been saved from being scattered and are given a renewed heart to serve their God.
But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them. Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid. (Jeremiah 30:9-10)
Israel has returned, but as yet they have no rest or quiet. Israel is remarkable for its lack of quiet. But then they are not yet known for serving their God and they do not have a king. For David to be king requires his resurrection from the dead. It is repeated and therefore it is established. Just as Jews have returned to Israel, so it is sure that they shall be at rest and at ease. When this happens we and the whole world will have perfected rest. Nothing is too hard for the Mighty One of Israel.
But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid. (Jeremiah 46:27)
