Rest for the Weary Soul

O. T. #394  "Rest for the Weary Soul"
October 27, 2014
Deuteronomy 12-Part 2
But when ye go over Jordan, and dwell in the land which the LORD your God giveth you to inherit, and when he giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety...   Deuteronomy 12:10

LET IT GLOW

Rest from all your enemies. Doesn't that sound good? The world is our battlefield and we can certainly grow weary in the struggles of life. Or am I the only one? Do you find yourself throwing water on the little fires around you?  I'm talking about those squabbles that aren't any bigger than a hill of beans, yet to those involved, they are a big mountain. I find, in the overall big picture, some things just need to be let go. In the grand scheme of things, they really aren't important, not worth getting upset about, nor talking all the time about the issue. Whether it's a messy closet facing me, or things thrown away, by another person, lay it down. We need some peace and rest every now and them. Get on with the things that are important. Don't get sidetracked from what God has you doing. (I am talking to myself, here.)

Yes, every now and then, I am in need of some rest. Just a little time away from the situation helps clear the mind. Resting the body, soul, and mind helps put a new perspective on things. Take a nap, go for a walk, work in the garden, tak e a drive to see the beautiful fall leaves. Do whatever relaxes you and helps your mind to rest. Rest for the weary soul is needed every now and then.
What about Israel? Was their time coming when they would be in need of some rest?

After Israel had crossed over the Jordan River, conquered their Promised Land, settled down, then God would give them rest. Right now, in the time of chapter 12, they were preparing to face some enemies. It was not their time of rest, just yet.

Rest, in the Hebrew, means  to settle down, to dwell, stay, remain, be quiet.

After wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, then having to fight their enemies who lived in the land of their inheritance, they would have been ready for some rest.

What about you, friend, are you in need of some rest? Go to Jesus.

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Find rest in Jesus, dear one.

LET IT GROW

Verse 8 says, Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever in right in his own eyes.

We are instructed to not do as everyone sees fit, but as God directs and tells us.

There seems to have been some laxity in the offering of the sacrifices in the wilderness which was not to be allowed when Israel came into the  Promised Land. this self-centered attitude became a major problem in the time of Judges (17:6; 21:25).

If we do not watch out, we will be in the same boat as Israel was. There are so many good projects and good causes out there asking us to give and support, that we might be tempted to give them our offering. However, God must be first, so we should continue to bring our offering into the church

LET IT GO

Keep my eyes on Jesus and not on those little squabbles.

Stay faithful to Him in my offerings.

Afterwards, give to other good causes.