A Community of Grace »

Masthead header

Day 89

freedom-cage-day89Some slogans are remembered long after the advertising campaign ends. You may remember two famous slogans and their catchy tunes from the 1970s and 80s:

“Have it your way at Burger King” and “You deserve a break today at McDonalds.”

Companies hope to increase sales by suggesting a need or desire will be met if a particular product is purchased. Many advertising claims fall far short of the generated expectation. There’s a claim, however, made by God and reiterated by Jesus that will meet our great need and far exceed our expectations:

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest(Matthew 11:28).

Speaking to a crowd of people who were weary and burdened, Jesus promised rest. What was this rest? It was freedom from sin and the power of Satan. Rest is receiving provision for our every need from God’s abundant supply. This freedom is obtained not through endless striving and countless religious rituals, but by coming to and believing in the sin-conquering power of Jesus. In doing that, we receive His rest.

The rest of God is the rightful inheritance of every child of God. Are you experiencing it? Do you expect daily victory over the sin in your life? The nation of Israel failed to enter God’s rest because of their unbelief. On the border of the Promised Land, ten of the twelve men who surveyed the land voted not to enter, saying, “The people who live there are powerful and the cities are fortified and very large” (Numbers 13:28).

We will not experience our freedom in Christ if we believe the strongholds of sin are too powerful, too deeply-rooted and entrenched to conquer. Yet we can experience great victory and rest if we repent of our unbelief and instead trust in God. After Israel did so:

The LORD gave Israel all the land He had sworn to their forefathers. He gave them rest on every side. Not one of their enemies withstood them. Every promise of God was fulfilled(Joshua 21:43-45).

Fix your mind on a life-changing slogan: Be Free!

For if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!

John 8:37