Resting and reaping

Num 10:33-36   when the ark set out…When it came to rest

The cloud:  The representation of God – His presence and His leading

when the ark set out: Israel lived responsively to God’s Presence, carrying His presence where they went

when It came to rest:  God’s favorite time…being among His people

• Following the ark, which was carried on the shoulders of the priests – this is how we co-labor
• It’s always to get us to a place of rest and enjoyment of life in Christ

When He moves, we move too. When He rests, we rest too!

When God moves, we “carry” God’s presence on our shoulders (our works). His movements are always for the purpose of bringing us to our next resting place, where we enjoy His presence and the fruits of faithfulness.

If we do not rest when He rests, we carry an empty ark made of dead religious works, which wears us out while accomplishing nothing of eternal value.

Isaiah 30:15  For thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said, “In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength.” But you were not willing…

What is a battle that you are fighting right now in which you need God to move? (Usually recognized by the striving you feel when the issue presents itself). How is God inviting you to enter into rest about that?

THE SABBATH YEAR:

Lev 25:1-7    you shall have the sabbath products of the land for food

• Work hard for six years (6 days a week) – then enjoy the rest while eating the fruits of your labors!

…18-22  I will so order My blessing for you in the sixth year that it will bring forth the crop for three years.

The greatest works of faith are often the times when we are not working at all, but rather resting and trusting god to take our work and cause it to bear fruit.

Doug Fike testimony

1 Corinthians 15:58  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

The ultimate sabbath year fulfillment is eternity – when we will eat of the labor of whatever we have built in this life of eternal value!

What is something for which you labored hard, but now feels like a waste because it seems like “harvest time” has passed and you don’t see the fruit of your labors?

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