Introduction
In our latest sermon, we delved into the theme of “Kingdom Foreshadowed,” focusing on the journey from Exodus to Second Kings. This sermon emphasized the importance of trust and rest in our relationship with God. By examining the story of the Israelites and their journey through the Red Sea, we explored how trust in God leads to true rest and how restlessness can lead us to create idols in our lives. Let’s break down the key points and lessons from this powerful message.
The Journey from Exodus to Second Kings
What Are the Ten Words?
The “Ten Words,” commonly known as the Ten Commandments, are not just rules but a love document given to a people already rescued and delivered by God. These words are designed to help us live as the people of God, focusing on loving God and loving others. The first three commandments are about loving God, the last six about loving others, and the fourth one is about Sabbath rest.
Trust and Rest: The Core of the Ten Words
Trusting God is the foundation of entering into His rest. Without trust, we cannot fully rest in Him, and without rest, we cannot love God and others as we are called to. The Israelites’ journey through the Red Sea is a powerful illustration of this. On one side of the Red Sea, they were restless and fearful; on the other side, they found rest and trust in God.
The Importance of Trust
Learning to Trust God
Trusting God is a process that takes time. The Israelites had to learn to trust God through their journey in the wilderness, where He provided for them in supernatural ways. This trust is built through daily dependence on God, as illustrated by the provision of manna and quail.
The Consequences of Restlessness
When we are restless, we are prone to creating idols in our lives. The story of the golden calf in Exodus is a prime example. The Israelites, in their restlessness, demanded a god substitute, leading to the creation of an idol. This serves as a warning for us to avoid letting restlessness drive us to seek false gods.
The Gift of Sabbath Rest
Sabbath as a Reset
The Sabbath is not just a day of rest but a reset, a reminder to focus on God and trust in His provision. It is a promise of new creation and a foretaste of the eternal rest we will have with God. The Sabbath helps us to love God and others by taking time to rest and reset our focus on Him.
The Lifestyle of Sabbath
Sabbath rest should permeate our lives beyond just one day a week. It is a lifestyle of trusting and resting in God, allowing us to love others generously and live in the freedom God intends for us. This includes the practice of canceling debts every seven years, as described in Deuteronomy, to ensure that God’s people are free from indebtedness and slavery.
God’s Restorative Power
The Story of the Floating Axe Head
In 2 Kings, we see a powerful example of God’s restorative power. When a prophet’s student loses a borrowed iron axe head in the Jordan River, Elisha performs a miracle by making the iron float. This story illustrates God’s desire to restore and free His people from indebtedness and slavery.
The Heart of God
God’s heart is for restoration and freedom. He wants us to trust Him, rest in Him, and experience the fullness of life He offers. This theme of rescue and rest runs throughout the Bible, pointing us to the ultimate rest we find in Jesus.
Life Application
Applying Trust and Rest in Our Lives
This week, challenge yourself to trust God more deeply and find rest in Him. Reflect on areas of your life where you may be restless or anxious and seek to replace those feelings with trust in God’s provision and care.
Questions for Reflection
- Which side of the Red Sea are you on? Are you resting in God or feeling restless and anxious?
- What idols or false gods have you created in your life due to restlessness?
- How can you incorporate Sabbath rest into your weekly routine to reset your focus on God?
- In what ways can you trust God more deeply and experience His restorative power in your life?
By focusing on trust and rest, we can live as the people of God, loving Him and others as we are called to. Let this message inspire you to find true rest in God and experience the fullness of life He offers.
May the Lord bless and keep you, and may you find peace and rest in His presence this week. God bless you all!
This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
