Entering into His Sabbath Rest
The book of Exodus shows us the trials that the children of Israel endured in leaving Egypt (the type of the flesh or world) and crossing through the desert to enter into the Promised Land. Their testimony was that all their needs were provided as they submitted unto Yahweh through Moses'(a type of manifested Son) leadership. They were tested on their obedience to God’s word and will in many ways as they traveled through the wilderness. Even though they experienced many miracles as they were led and protected by God’s presence in the pillars of cloud and fire, they complained against Him. Remember that the journey was started by Moses 40 years earlier before completing their mission.
The Israelites who were supposed to possess the land died in the wilderness because they didn’t believe the Lord, or His revealed Word of direction). Finally, faithful people were raised up who crossed over the Jordan river to enter the land that was given to them by Yahweh. The 4th chapter of Hebrews warns us against unbelief preventing us from entering into God’s rest. This present generation is in danger of missing the command of the Lord in this time of entering into/manifesting personally the Kingdom of God.
Of the ten spies sent to survey the land, just two believed they could do what YHWH had spoken; Joshua and Caleb. When the Lord told them to obtain their destiny the others disobeyed because they were afraid of the dangers (giants) that were seen in Canaan. A whole generation failed to obey, doubting His Word though they had seen many miracles proving that God alone was their provider. These things also serve as a witness to the presumptuous who think they have already “arrived” that much faithfulness and diligence are needed to enter in to the rest that was accomplished for us in Christ.
The symbolic type of the journey’s completion for us in the old Testament is seen where Joshua lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land. When we ponder the story of entering into Canaan there are some confirmations of our experience as a believer. The first is that Joshua was escorted by a glorified being; the Lord of Hosts. He assured him that although the battle was the Lord’s he still had to do the warfare of taking the Land. This shows us our position in Christ as a completed work that was gained through the atonement. Christ was able to obtain resurrected life and we as followers must become like Messiah in this higher level of spiritual attainment. The work is finished in the spiritual realm (position) but it has to be appropriated in experience in the physical/natural (possession).
The territory that is to be subdued and inhabited is actually our soul realm. Then after that area is renewed/transformed we will see the completion of the work in the redemption of our bodies, Romans 8:11. Our will and attitudes must be yielded to the Father so that our thoughts and emotions are not ruled by the flesh. Ultimately the whole earth will be taken back from the enemy as it is being placed under the authority/dominion of the Messiah and those who have overcome (1 Cor. 15, Rev.11:15).
An important symbolism is seen in the Tabernacle in the Wilderness. The plans and execution of it were goven to Moses directly by the Almighty,(who desires that we continue to worship Him in Spirit and Truth). Believers are now the Temple of the Holy Spirit so each part is to be seen operational in us. The Holy of Holies is where the Father dwells in the Ark of the Covenant in our heart or the inner man. The Holy Place represents our mind/soul that is being transformed from the inside out as we submit to the power/direction of the Spirit/Word. The Outer Court is the area of our flesh that touches the outside world and it's stimulents through our senses. The furniture and articles of worship confirm our lives through the anointing and fruit seen in the Nature and attributes of the Lord. Unlike the Temple that was built later, this place of Yahweh's abiding presence and glory was portable. Where ever we walk as His Tabernacle/Temple is Holy Ground.
Even though it was his calling and destiny to lead the children of the Lord, Joshua could not prevail unless he first came before the Lord in consecration and fervent prayer. The mission failed when he was careless or presumptuous. The Israelites were expected to take dominion over the promised land bodily and establish a dwelling place for all the tribes of Israel. Joshua and his brethren eventually received their Rest as stated in Joshua 22. They gave heed to God’s Law and all their enemies were defeated(for a short time)until they were disobedient. The people were expected to take dominion over the Promised Land bodily and establish a dwelling place for all the tribes of Israel. They were warned to drive their enemies out before them but not too quickly or the land would be overrun by wild animals. This is also our example of taking authority as believers. The Law of liberty is in operation to protect and strengthen us in His grace/mercy.
The words used in scripture like abiding or dwelling show us the completeness of the renewed relationship possible now between God and man. This is the continual communion of a submitted life. The Holy Spirit in us is directing and enabling every member of Christ’s corporate body to appropriate this victory. Paul showed us that although he was crucified with/in Christ he pressed on that he might obtain to the resurrection. What happens in between these two states is greater work of salvation called sanctification; Galations 2:20, Phil. 3:7-14. The incorruptible seed we receive at salvation continues growing eventually becoming a fruitful tree.
The weapons of our warfare are not carnal (of the flesh) but mighty through God to pull down strongholds. We overcome the domain of our enemy “by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony”. The rest of this statement talks of not loving our lives even unto death. I believe that those who learn to “ die” to their flesh/carnality, which includes the ability to leave behind opinions, traditions and systems of men/the world, are those who are able to receive the promises of YHWH for eternity. The main promise is to enter into His rest.
The battle of Jericho that took place as they entered into the land can be interpreted as a symbolism of the Great Tribulation years. The Lord’s army went forth praising YHWH and blowing trumpets for seven days. This victorious battle at the first point of entering the land shows us a representation of our entrance into the Kingdom by those who have become complete in the Spiritual stature of Christ. The walls of Jericho represent the flesh and the falling walls show the redemption of our bodies at the Last Trumpet. The fact that the walls fell outward also denotes the flowing from the center, spiritual domain, in overtaking/redemption of the flesh by the glory of the Lord.
We see this in Ezekiel’s temple illustration. The glory of the Lord went from the center of the Temple through the Holy Place to the Outer Court. The Priests/Levites who ministered in this temple had greater power to purify others in the outer court which represents the flesh or body. Normally when a priest touched any unclean things he becomes defiled but in this example those they touched became purified/ sanctified. Our sanctification is perfected from the inside out because the Spirit of YHWH comes to live/abide in us when we receive regeneration. Through walking in submission to the Spirit we are transformed first in our soul and then our body becomes renewed/redeemed in glorified life. Phil. 3:21; He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of His glory by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself.
Those who complete this purification process are then able to become immortal and can enter the Kingdom for they have overcome death. I am considering that the scripture that tells us that it is appointed for man once to die and then the judgment relates to this aspect of experience in Christ. The other passages that have come to my mind are these. If we lose our (soul)life then we gain His Spiritual life which is in our identification in the death/ crucifixion of our flesh daily. We are also told that those who judge themselves will not be judged. Now that is not just a self-will thing because our hearts are filled with deception but allowing the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin and receive forgiveness/cleansing as we overcome these faults that defile us. Truth/integrity in the inward parts!
The failure the children of Israel experienced at the next battle at Ai shows us the consequences found in the lifting up of the pride of the flesh. First we see it in the lack of discipline that Joshua showed because he did not seek the direction of the Most High and went forth in his own strength. He assumed that he could continue in victory without seeking the face and will of the Lord of Hosts. Our message today is to diligently seek Him so that we can abide in the Lord’s presence daily and triumph over all our enemies. We won’t get any formulas just wisdom. This glorious being that Joshua met at the entrance of the Promised land showed Him that obedience to YHWH’s revealed will brings it into existence by the power of the Spirit. It comes first individually in our minds and bodies then there is a cor-porate work of unity through the Body of Christ bringing into submission the many membered unit,then manifesting authority in all the earth to overcome the evil one.
Secondly, pride was seen in the man Achen who took garments from the spoils of Jericho and buried them. He wanted the esteem of the world as reward for himself rather than to glorify the Lord alone. It could also be seen as a false covering of man’s glory. No matter how deep we try to bury any self seeking or desire to please men and mammon we will be found out for “that day shall reveal” all hidden things through the testing of all our works in the fire - our motives as much as our deeds. God’s power works in and through the humble ones who labor as His servants. Notice that this sin affected the whole camp and his whole family was punished with him.
This Rest of God is spoken of as a future event. There is still a completion of this reward that the Lord desires for us to receive. This is why we pray daily, Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. It is through grace that we are saved by faith and that not of ourselves. It is the gift of God and not the result of works lest anyone should boast. This truth given to us in Ephesians 2:8 shows us that only YHWH can do the work of salvation through the Spirit. The soul tries to usurp and even imitate (through mental assent and power) the works of the Spirit. I have witnessed this in many assemblies that do not judge the false things that come forth as gifts/anointings. Many meeting are out of order if there is not the administrative calling/authority enforced. Those who are sensitive feel a grieving or loss of their spiritual energy. When we flow with the corporate anointing there is not the control problem that we see in many meetings. Envy and strife are eliminated.
The scriptures show us more in the fourth chapter of Hebrews starting with verse 1. Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest is still open,let us take care that none of you should seem to have failed to reach it. 2 For indeed the good news came to us just as to them; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because [it was not mixed with the spiritual substance of faith]...they were not united by faith with those who listened [Joshua and Caleb]. 3 For we who believe enter that rest, just as God has said, “As in My anger I swore, They shall not enter my rest”, though His works were finished at the foundation of the world’.4 For in one place it speaks about the seventh day as follows, “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”...9 For then a Sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; for those who enter God’s rest cease from their labors as God did from His. Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest so that no one may fail through disobedience.
Much that Yahweh established for us to receive pertaining to this time of rest is seen in two main areas. The first is the Sabbath which allowed God’s people physical rest every seventh day of the week. Not only does this give a time of refreshing and renewal in the soul as well as the body but is a spiritual time of worship and thanksgiving. God’s people remember on this day to give honor to the Lord of the Sabbath as their provider. When we learn to set aside time and focus to dwell in the Lord’s presence we eventually learn to keep that abiding fellowship all week long. He wants us to experience a continual state of resting known as walking in the Spirit. We know that this is how Christ walked.
This relationship is much more than being able to use anointed gifts. We are taught that when the perfect comes,(the mature completed Sons), then the gifts will pass away. We,like Christ, must endeavor to be filled with all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. We need to acknowledge that there is the attainment of completeness of the Seven Spirits of the Lord as written in the 11th chapter of Isaiah. These seven levels of the Holy Spirit are represented in the Tabernacle as the Golden Lampstand that illuminates the Holy Place [renewed mind]. The spiritual eyes of our understanding are to be the light that our soul lives by. The Shewbread is the fellowship of true believers in unity and grace. The Laver of Incense carries upward the prayers and worship of the Saints all directed by the Holy Spirit within.
The Jubilee is the celebration that occurred every seven years showing us the Sabbath rest in a more complete way. The seven days of creation spoken of in Genesis is represented here with God’s testimony of resting from His work on the seventh day, we look forward to as the promised land/Kingdom/Millenium. The land of Israel was given a year of rest and no one was allowed to plow or plant. This directive has long been ignored by most believers. It was really miraculous to see that the Lord’s provision was complete for the previous harvest was abundant enough to last through the next year. These benefits are always evident when God's people do their part in obedience - He will take care of them. We are to stop striving and be at peace with God and others.
It reached the fullness of attainment at the forty-ninth (seven sevens-the number of perfection) but the fiftieth year was the pinnacle of the jubilee celebration. The number 50 denotes the fullness of the Holy Spirit as represented in the Feast of Pentecost. It shows the Sabbath rest in a more complete way. Anyone who had been placed in slavery over the past seven year period was set free and lands returned to their original owners. Jesus is the personification of our Jubilee,(Isaiah 61), in the work of salvation and deliverance that was accomplished for all people.
The word Jubilee is derived from yobel which means trumpet. At the end of forty-nine years on the Day of Atonement this jubilee trumpet was sounded. This assured the promise of God’s land to continue in families or tribes. No one would become overly wealthy or oppress the poor through the fluctuations of financial circumstances. This is seen clearly in the first century church as the whole body of believers took the responsibility to make sure that all had their needs met. Being rooted and grounded in Love they were a living testimony of working peacefully together for the good of all. We will have to learn to submit to and share with one another getting rid of the competitive, independent attitude that keeps us dysfunctional instead of flowing as parts of “ a body fitly joined together”. It will be mandatory for survival in the troubled times ahead.
The second type of His rest is the ceasing from our own works. This is evident when we are able to walk/live in His Spirit and obey His commandments; the law of love. Through this anointed Word our lives receive the power to change. There is evidence of divine fellowship and abiding closeness. Instead of “religiously” doing the will of the Lord in our own strength, the laws of God are written upon our hearts. When we learn to fully abide in the Lord then we will partake of all His grace as He makes His abode in us body, soul and spirit.
We are connected to the Father in a personal relationship. We don't just touch the life force but become a conduit so to speak of all of His blessings. More important than doing works of faith is to walk in the ways of the Lord as we give out His Love unto others. What takes place then, is a transfer from the inner to the outer. As Paul stated; this is where the outward things pass away (decrease) while the inward is being renewed through the overcoming power of the Spirit. This was exemplified by the Messiah of God who not only identified with sinners but took their punishment. This humility is the expression of Christ’s humble Body bringing deliverance in the earth.
The Bible tells us that we must labor that we may enter into His rest. This labor/work can be seen in a couple of ways. Doing the works of Christ is a type of laboring. Because faith without works is dead, we need to do (act upon) what we profess in His power. Another is seeing the Kingdom,(seventh day) as the Rest of Yahweh that we are able to enter even now. We read that God is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. There needs to be an increase of intensity of yearning that has the sole purpose of "putting on" the nature/Holiness of the Lord. The effectual fervent prayers of a righteous men avail much.
This "desperation" of heart is called pressing in. There becomes an intense desire to be in YHWH's presence not to get something but to commune with the Most High. With this travail is manifested the concern for others (priesthood ministry) empowering us to set the captives free. Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted appears to be a promise for those who cry out for the deliverance of the lost and helpless. We should identify with the weak and lost as our Savior did for all people.
The main way that we can interpret the word labor is the work of intercession. Travail is another word for labor in bringing a child to birth. Paul said the he labored again that Christ be formed in the young believers. When the birthing is complete we will see a mature completed “Manchild” represented as the Sons of God. I believe that travail of Holy Spirit will bring us who desire/love his appearing to birth for there will be a great groaning of all creation to manifest to put on the glory (tabernacle of His presence). The whole earth is enduring this great "groaning" which will bring into completion the destiny of faithful believers who become as Christ manifested in the flesh and in the earth.
We are taught that the shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35 which simply states; "Jesus wept". I would suggest that this is not just mourning but the deep groaning of intercession. Jesus cried out at the tomb of Lazareth with great sorrow which I believe was the travail of the Spirit to deliver him from death. We know that being brought to birth in the spiritual sense and resurrected could both be considered obtaining eternal life. When the "manchild" is born according to Rev. 12, they are lifted up to the Throne of YHWH in the Third Heaven which is the Paradise of God. It is interesting that the words womb and tomb are so close in spelling. Here is the connection. As we submit ourself to the crucifixion of Christ He will deliver us though resurrection power the rebirth as the Holy Spirit beings the life of God into our very being.
Our intercession is guided by the one who ever lives to make intercession for us as our High Priest. We must labor/travail to enter His rest once again. Romans 8:26 -27 shows us the work of the Holy Spirit in intercession. Likewise the spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning that cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is,because He makes intercession for the Saints according to the will of God. We are to be built up on our most Holy Faith by praying in the Spirit.
Messiah personified the accomplishment of grace as the Lord of the Jubilee. When Yahshua/Jesus read chapter 61 of Isaiah in the Temple he spoke for all who would follow him as agents of the Father declaring the acceptable year of the Lord. Liberty and freedom are found and given in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Those who are saved and delivered must turn around to unshackle others. Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach The Gospel of good tidings to the meek,the poor,the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted,to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound,2 to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord; Amplified Version. Read also Is.62:1-4.
Yahshua qualified this message by adding that there were many widows in the days of Elijah but only one received him and gave him a meal. She was willing to give out of her need but I also expect that she had spiritual focus and discernment to follow the word of the prophet. Then Christ shared about the testimony of Naaman the Syrian; the only leper who was healed. This made the people in the temple angry but they could not touch him for he was under the glory covering/protection of YHWH. Many are called but few are chosen but even more importantly is the warning that those who think they stand must be careful lest they fall because of pride or arrogance. Through a humble spirit can we enter into the Lord's Rest.