His Rest Shall be Glorious!

His Rest Shall Be Glorious

Isaiah 11:10 "And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign [banner] for the people; to it [lit. 'to him'} shall the gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious."

This verse is part of a detailed prophecy concerning Joshua, the Son Of David, Messiah to the people of Israel, and Savior of the world. Jesus is the banner we should all be gathering to. He is our spiritual point of reference, he is our Rock and our Refuge!

   We are to gather to the person of Jesus Christ himself, not to doctrines, belief systems, methodologies, creeds, or cliques! There is no rest to be found by embracing a belief system that was handed down to you from someone else. When you are primarily identified with a denomination, a tradition, or a particular system of theology, you will feel compelled to defend it, and much of your identity will be invested into that system.

Jesus is the believers' truth! He needs no defense and no apologies. We are to proclaim Jesus and gather ourselves to Him ! 

 

Jesus said:

John 5:39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,

John 5:40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.

When we read the scriptures, we should be looking for Jesus there! Don't read the bible

only in order to reinforce your pet doctrines, or to find proof that will back up your side of 

an argument. Let the word of God feed your spirit and strengthen your faith in the Living God.

The word of God is alive, and it is given to equip you for everyday life and it's conflicts. The

good news of our salvation, and the revelation of our Savior is contained in there. Our fight 

is not against people, it is against spiritual wickedness, and unbelief. 

  The Old testament looks forward to the coming of Messiah, and the new testament

reveals Him to us. he is our Risen Savior and our heavenly intercessor. He is the Living

God who wants to be active and involved in our lives.

Jesus is our Good Shepherd; He is our way, our truth, and our life! He is our resting place and , "His rest is glorious' !

Joh 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

Joh 10:5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

For a great picture of the rest that we can enjoy in Jesus, read the 23rd Psalm. Our Shepherd personally leads us and gives us rest, restoration, and righteous paths to walk in.He has prepared us a table in the presence of our enemies, and we can partake confidently of the eternal life that can only come from him.

Jesus is the Branch that makes the water sweet, he makes his living water to spring up inside us and quench our thirst for God.

Jesus came to save the whole world! In our text, Isaiah specifically says that the Gentiles will seek his rest! Everybody is included! Jews and non-Jews alike are called to enjoy fellowship and forgiveness in Christ. Whosoever will, can receive eternal life from our wonderful savior.

Isa 55:1 "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

We are saved by grace! anyone can freely enjoy the benefits of eternal life through faith in Jesus. gather yourselves to Him! Let him be your banner and your glorious resting place. there is rest in no other. Jesus is Emmanuel -'God with us'! He came to bring us grace and truth! He is present to heal us. He is here to dwell in us and fill us with his life and power!

No matter how bad things around you look, you can find rest in Jesus. You can rest in the eye of the storm, confident that he will keep you in his favor. You will emerge from your trials victorious and more than a conqueror, because your Heavenly Father loves you, and his love never fails. You can lose everything, and yet still find rest in Jesus! When you make 'The root Of Jesse' your banner and rallying flag, the rest you will find will be glorious! By focusing on Him, rather than your problems, you will find a new peace of mind, and grace to overcome all obstacles.

Eternal life is right now, not in some hazy and uncertain future! build your life around Jesus, and enjoy fellowship with him right now, don't wait for heaven, to begin enjoying eternity. Christ in you, is your hope of glory, not the 'sweet bye-in-bye'! Let Him flood you with his life, and receive his gift of grace today, and rest your future in His hands.

Don't rely on your feelings; trust in His word to tell you who you are in Jesus, and who you can be in this kingdom life. Don't be limited in your thinking, let the word of God expand your faith and renew your mind to accept all the goodness that he wants for you!

There remains a rest for the people of God, and his rest is glorious!

©2011 Rev. Charles J. Loubert