Friday, December 20, 2019

Ten Biblical Reasons for Rest and Relaxation: Part 4



We’ve taken several weeks for this lesson on rest, but it was for a specific reason I waited until the end of the year to share the final part of this series Ten Biblical Reasons for Rest and Relaxation.  It was to prepare you for greater things as Jesus said, which leads us to the tenth reason rest is vital in receiving favor from the Lord. 

Read: Part 1   Part 2   Part 3

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Reason 10 – Rest Rekindles Our Vision 
(with Miracle Favor)

Resting physically and spiritually leads us into worship.  When we spend time in worship it develops fellowship and trust with the Lord, which enables the vision He placed in us to be birthed or reignited.  

Rest allows our minds to think better and brings clarity to the vision that is within our hearts.  I’d like to walk you through how the plan of God is established through rest, belief, fellowship with Him and abundant favor!

Our lesson will take us to the past in order to see the future.

O Little Town of Bethlehem

With Thanksgiving falling later in the season, it seems that Christmas has been rushed having less time to plan and gather our thoughts.  From what I’ve been hearing and witnessing, people are keeping it simple this year due to their lack of time to prepare and sheer exhaustion.

Feelings of anxiety and stress over events forthcoming isn’t new to mankind.  When we think back on the first Christmas, how much rest did anyone really get?

Looking through the hourglass of time past, I can image the streets of Bethlehem bustling with travelers from the corners of the earth, making their way into the city in obedience to pay their taxes.  

Street vendors, innkeepers, herdsmen, trades personnel, iron smiths, shops, and townsmen were about to experience their version of Black Friday.

We first learn about this small village called Ephrathah otherwise known as Bethlehem, in Genesis 35:19 where Jacob buried his favored wife Rachel.  It was later mentioned by the prophet Micah when he foretold that a Messiah would come from a small town that was tucked away between much larger territories.

“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah (referred to as House of Bread), are only a small village among all the people of Judah.  Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past.

And He will stand to lead His flock with the LORD’s strength, in the majesty of the name of the LORD His God.  Then His people will live there undisturbed, for He will be Highly honored (favored) around the world.  And He will be the source of peace.” (Micah 5:2-5 NLT)

The prophet had vision for greater things that he couldn’t understand, but hoped for by faith.  God gave Micah favor into seeing what was to come seven hundred years in the future because of his fellowship with Him.

Micah’s prophecy of the birth of Jesus is one of the most vivid pictures of the Prince of Peace to come as described in chapter 5 verse 5.

Over and over throughout the scriptures we keep reading about this little town that may have seemed rather insignificant, but in reality, it was a well-spring that surrounding areas desired then and still do today.  Besides being able to grow an abundance of olives for the oil supplied to the temple, Bethlehem played a key role in the citizens having to return to their birth place for the census.

The Birth of Living Water

There was one huge problem that we learn from scriptures – Bethlehem is indeed small in size, therefore, when travelers came places to stay filled up quickly sending them to surrounding areas.  This led to additional issues that had nothing to do with the little town.

Did you know that Bethlehem’s natural aquifer is the mainstay for all sources of water for Israel?  It was then and is the same in this modern age.  Located near the Dead Sea (which means Sea of Salt as mentioned in Genesis 14:3), its name is true to what it produces.  Nothing is alive in this body of water, nor is it drinkable.

However, during King Hezekiah's reign he had underground water tunneled into Jerusalem in case they ever were under siege by the Assyrians and they blocked the Gihon Spring water source.  Their water could not be used for drinking, because it was contaminated from the blood streaming from the sacrifices in the temple.  For anything or anyone to survive fresh water had to be imported from somewhere, and that place was Bethlehem.

The fact is, they needed a place that geographically was higher and supplied a clean water supply for the people, animals and vegetation.  Bethlehem sits on an enormous aquifer and was built specifically on a hill top to fit that need for where “Living Water” could flow.

What man would do through Hezekiah to sustain life for the human side, God would provide spiritually supplying eternal Living Water through the birth of Jesus. Both the prophets Ezekiel and Zechariah spoke of such things to come.

“And in that day, it shall be that living waters shall flow from Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea, and half of them toward the western sea.  In both summer and winter, it shall occur.” (Zechariah 14:8) 

“He who believes in Me, as the scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of Living Water.” (John 7:38)

Throughout the years the aquifer would also provide natural springs of water for the animals.  Shepherds found that by staying in a particular place in the fields during springtime, the sheep could feed and be watered allowing their caregivers to tend to other important matters.  A period of rest was surely welcome.

"The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want.  He makes me to lie down in green pastures (of tender grass).  He leads me beside the still waters (of rest). He restores my soul.  He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name sake." (Psalm 23:1-3 NKJV)

Almond, fig and olive trees provided a wealth of free food for the herdsmen while living in empty caves as King David did when hiding from Saul.  This accounts for the stable being empty and available for Joseph and Mary at the time of their “springtime” arrival (sorry folks – not December, but that’s for another lesson). 

It also gives us insight to the plan of God for a Savior and what needed to be in place for it to happen through the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Everything revolved around God’s vision and it being established in the earth resting on His timing.

Believe and Obey Immediately

God knows everything and that includes all that pertains to your life from beginning to end!  He knows where things and people need to be so that future events can take place.  All that will take place in this world revolves around Jesus, from the very beginning to the last person who will ever walk the face of this earth.  We are woven in the fabric of God’s plan to bring us back to Him.

Every detail and event had/has a purpose from God.  Nothing is by chance, fate or for no reason.

The building of the Temple and all that revolved around it had to already be in existence for the time God would send His Son to earth through the Virgin Mary.  It may not seem like a big deal now, but even the water system had to be in place for Herod the Great to build pools around the outer parts of Jerusalem, in which later during Jesus’ adult ministry He would heal a blind man giving “vision” physically and spiritually. (John 9:7)

It was during that encounter that Jesus healed on the Sabbath, which was designated as a day of rest from what God set in motion in the book of Genesis.  He demonstrated how God created a day of rest (the Sabbath) for man as a gift for restoration, and that man was not created for the Sabbath.

The babe Messiah that was to be born in Bethlehem would grow in favor to teach the differences between spiritual and physical blindness when it comes to the lessons on “rest” and obedience to the Heavenly Father.

From the living waters of Bethlehem came Living Waters of instruction on how to obey immediately and receive healing favor from the Lord in every aspect of life.  If we read the account of the blind man, we learn that he believed who Jesus was by obeying His command.  He received healing and worshiped Christ for who He was – God the Son, the Anointed One.

“Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said, and he worshiped Jesus.” (John 9:38 NLT)

Finding Rest Not Only at Christmas

When we examine the biblical reasons for rest it’s easy to see how they all tie in with one another, and relate to receiving the best from the Lord.

Taking the effort to get away and rest from regular schedules is vital if we are to have quiet time with the Lord so that we can hear from Him.  As we grow in fellowship our hearts become humbled, building our faith and trust in our Creator.

We become valuable servants to God and those around us as we learn to walk in agreement with Him.  Our spirit is more discerning to the voice of the Holy Spirit, teaching us to walk in love as we trust Him for the outcome of each situation.

The stress valve is released as we cast our cares on the Lord, trusting Him to receive the grace (favor) needed for each situation.  Our hope and joy are restored as we rest on God’s Word, worshiping Him in spirit and in truth not only during stressful times, but in everything.  This is what He is looking for in us; this is what God rewards through kindness and favor.

“But the time is coming – indeed it’s here now – when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth.  The Father in Heaven is looking for those who will worship Him that way.” (John 4:23 NLT)

With all the clutter removed there is room for God to restore, rebuild and rekindle the vision He placed inside us from birth, just as He did with Jesus.  He was born to die, that we might live!

“The thief (satan) comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy.  I (Jesus) came that they (anyone who believes in Jesus, the Son of God) may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” (John 10:10 AMP emphasis mine)

Tidings of Great Joy

My friend, let me extend to you the “tidings of great joy” message of the angel Gabriel that was given over 2,000 years ago. 

Everything you will ever need for your life is already in place, just as God prepared a place for baby Jesus in the little town of Bethlehem.

However, if you never spend time with the One who set things in order for you to receive the grace on your life for His favor, you will never experience the best He has ordained for you.  Now where is the joy in that?

Scriptures tell of a Messiah that would come to save and set people free.  A King who would rule and reign forever, reconciling the breach between God and man.

Their hope was for a King that would deliver them from all bondage – spiritually, physically and financially.

He would bring freedom that could give them true rest as they trusted on Him to deliver them from their fears and sin.  He would restore their joy as they place their trust in Him resting on and in His Word as Holy.

Mary rested and had peace over what God had planned to happen through her.  She received the plan by faith and because she said yes to God, He showed her favor her entire life.

Immediately after she heard what God wanted to do through her she worshiped Him, despite what others would say or do to her.  From the very beginning Mary knew the plan.  She allowed God to do something miraculous in her life.  He wants to do the same in you.

There isn’t anything more God has to do for your miracle to be birthed. He’s waiting on you to say, “Let it be done unto me”. 

This Week’s Challenge:
Let God Birth a 
Miracle in You

So, there you have it – I’ve given you ten reasons for Biblical rest, but obeying God is #1!  An abundant life is what’s at risk for not obeying the laws of God for good health, which includes getting rest for your spirit, mind and body.

No longer does mankind have to wait on God for a Messiah who would deliver us from our fears and sin.  Emmanuel has come to live among us.  His name is Jesus.  Let us find our rest in Him.

We’re heading into a new era - not only a new year, but a new decade!  Are you willing to sit back and wait another ten years for your vision to come to pass? 

God’s plan for something good was ordained from before you were born; only He can reveal to you what that is so that favor can be released at the right time. 

My challenge to you:

From this day on put your trust in Christ (read more about that here).  Rest on His Word to guide you spiritually and physically filling you with Living Water. 

Stop fretting and worrying, it will delay your hearing clearly from God.  Focus on receiving 20/20 vision with clarity and favor for the future. 

Learn to rely on time spent with God in fellowship for answers, wisdom, understanding, knowledge and guidance from His Holy Spirit.  Expect Daily Favor to surround you, and you will prosper in all things as your soul does eternally rekindling the vision for your life as you worship His Holy name.

As we turn our thoughts and heart to Christ at this Holy time of the year, this is my prayer:

“Let the blessings of the Lord as given to Joseph rest in and on you, with the precious things of the earth, including the fullness of His Daily Favor and goodwill.  May God who dwelt in the bush, crown and distinguish you apart from others as you joyfully rest upon His mighty promises.

May God birth 2020 vision for your life so that you prosper in all things and be in good health, just as your soul prospers eternally with His Miracle Living Water.”


Until next time, believe God for renewed vision favor!

“Rest on My vision for miracle favor.”
- Jesus Christ

Note: Prayer from the blessings in Deuteronomy 33 and 1 John 1:2 Amplified Bible.

*Unless noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy.   
Note: When used, the words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him no place in our lives. 

Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness.            

What’s New This Series: Click on link.

by Robert Morris (hardcover; 224 pages)

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Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.

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