REST ON THE GRACE OF GOD
Dr. Mike Okonkwo
Wednesday, 19 September 2018
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage”. Galatians 5:1 (KJV)
Today, I want to ask you a very important question. Where are you resting? Are you resting in what the newspapers say or what your tradition says? Or what one lying prophet told you? Or are you resting on the infallible word of God which gives assurance and stability?
Let’s consider the story of Samson as documented in the book of Judges chapter 16. When the Philistines shaved his hairs, they removed the seven locks. Seven means Sabbath, which is rest. When he was resting with his locks on his hair, the Philistines could not get him. The moment they shaved his hair, they took away his source of strength. Then, were they able to remove his eyes, tie him, arrest, imprison and humiliate him.
The church has been humiliated over the years because we have refused to rest. We are living as if Christ did not die, and this baffles me. Beloved He died, He was buried and He rose triumphant over death, hell and grave. Now, you have been quickened, raised and made to sit with him. We are called to sit, not to struggle. He raised you up to show you what He has completed before you came on the scene. He has completed the job, the business, the finance, your Christian life, ministry, family, marriage, and the babies. Our Christian life begins from the point of “It is finished”. That’s why Paul could say; “Now thanks be unto God who always causes us to triumph in Christ…” (2 Cor. 2:14). That means, before the battle even started, the victory is already yours.
When they shaved his hair, Samson got up and realized that he was without strength. He soon realized his eyes were gone, his freedom was gone. That’s what happens when you walk in the law. You lose your freedom. You then discover that you are constantly under condemnation, accusation and judgment, when the alternative is to walk in the liberty wherewith Christ has set you free. Child of God, the law cannot give you rest. Rest only comes from your knowledge of the finished work of Christ. Choose to rest.
Further reading: Galatians 5:1-6; Judges 16:26-30
Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Ecclesiastes 1-3; Evening- 2 Corinthians 11:16-33
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Amen