5. Jesus, the Giver of Rest

Sabbath afternoon

Prayer Thought

To us who are standing on the very verge of their fulfillment, of what deep moment, what living interest, are these delineations of the things to come--events for which, since our first parents turned their steps from Eden, God's children have watched and waited, longed and prayed! {PK 731.3}

Fellow pilgrim, we are still amid the shadows and turmoil of earthly activities; but soon our Saviour is to appear to bring deliverance and rest. Let us by faith behold the blessed hereafter as pictured by the hand of God. He who died for the sins of the world is opening wide the gates of Paradise to all who believe on Him. Soon the battle will have been fought, the victory won. Soon we shall see Him in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. And in His presence the trials and sufferings of this life will seem as nothingness. The former things "shall not be remembered, nor come into mind." "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. {PK 731.4}

Memory Text

“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9, NKJV).

The book of Hebrews chapter 1 and 2 introduces Jesus as the ruler and liberator. He was declared Son by the decree (Ps. 2:7), a faithful brother who took our infirmities into Him that we might have Life Eternal. Now, in chapter 3 and 4 of Hebrews, Jesus was introduced as the giver of rest (Heb. 4:9,10).

Inspiration says,

“The rest here spoken of is the rest of grace, obtained by following the prescription, Labor diligently. Those who learn of Jesus His meekness and lowliness find rest in the experience of practicing His lessons. It is not in indolence, in selfish ease and pleasure-seeking, that rest is obtained. Those who are unwilling to give the Lord faithful, earnest, loving service will not find spiritual rest in this life or in the life to come. Only from earnest labor comes peace and joy in the Holy Spirit--happiness on earth and glory hereafter. {7BC 928.7}

This week’s SSLesson will disclose the relationship of Jesus as giver of rest to those who had been struggling and facing challenges in life. As Christ had suffer, His brethren will also be victorious over the temptation of Satan.

Outline of the Study

Sunday: Which rest was offered? - The Land as a Place of Rest

Gen. 15:13-21; 11:31-12:4; Deut. 12:1-14; Exo. 5:5; 8:1; 19:4; 20:8-11; Deut. 5:12-15; Ps. 105:43-45.

Monday: Why didn’t they enter that rest? - Because of Unbelief

Heb. 3:12-19; 4:2; 3:13; 10:24; 12:15; Num. 13:32; 14:7-9; Exo. 14; 7-12; 40:36-38; Neh. 9:15-17; Ps. 106:24-26; 1Cor. 10:5-10.

Tuesday: When do we enter this rest? - Today, If You Hear His Voice

Heb. 4:1, 3, 4-8, 9, 14-16; 2:14-16; Deut. 5:1-3; 4:8; 6:6; 11:2-7; Josh. 24:15; 2Cor. 6:2.

Wednesday: Which is God’s rest? - Entering into His Rest

Heb. 3:11; 4:1, 3, 4, 9-11, 16; 10:12-14; Exo. 15:18-21; 20:8-11; 31:18; 34:28; Deut. 5:12-15; 11:24; 2Sam 8:1-14; John 19:30; 1Kings 4:21-25.

Thursday: When will we enjoy this rest? - A Foretaste of New Creation

Exo. 20:8-11; Deut. 5:12-15; Heb. 4:8-11.

Friday: Further Study

Sunday: Which rest was offered? - The Land as a Place of Rest

Gen. 15:13-21; 11:31-12:4; Deut. 12:1-14; Exo. 5:5; 8:1; 19:4; 20:8-11; Deut. 5:12-15; Ps. 105:43-45.

“But when you cross over the Jordan and dwell in the land which the Lord your God is giving you to inherit, and He gives you rest from all your enemies round about, so that you dwell in safety,” (Deuteronomy 12:10)

Jeremiah also bore witness of the coming Redeemer as a Prince of the house of David: "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is His name whereby He shall be called, The Lord Our Righteousness." And again: "Thus saith the Lord: David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel; neither shall the priests the Levites want a man before Me to offer burnt offerings, and to kindle meat offerings, and to do sacrifice continually." Jeremiah 23:5, 6; 33:17, 18. {AA 223.3}

Since therefore from the "stem" of Jesse came the "rod" (David), and from the rod sprang the Branch (Christ), David the visible king and Christ the invisible King of kings shall "in that day" -- in our time -- constitute the "ensign," and "to it shall the Gentiles seek: and His rest [or His resting place, -- the location where the "rod" or ensign stands -- the kingdom] shall be glorious." Yea "I will make the place of My feet glorious" (Isa. 60:13), saith the Lord. {TN8: 47.1}

"Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land." Isa. 32:1, 2.

The covenant of peace will be realized when God will set up His everlasting kingdom on earth under Heaven authority – His theocratic government (please read: Ezek. 34:23-25). His church, or kingdom is reflected without “spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing” (Eph. 5:27), a theocracy of peace, rest, safety, and invincibility, under the rule of one shepherd and a king – David (Hos. 1:11; 3:5; 5T 80; TM 300, Jer. 3:17).

For comprehensive and further study please click the link provided or copy-paste it into the browser.

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Consider the following

God offered Israel two types of rest: A physical place to rest, and a moment in time to rest. It was not realized in ancient Israel but will be fulfilled in our church – the modern Israel (PK 19, 22, 713, 725)

Abraham was promised that his descendants would live in Canaan, from the river of Egypt to river Euphrates (Genesis 15:18).

Paradise lost (Garden of Eden) will be restored – in the last days. Canaan would become a second Eden where God and Israel would enjoy rest and common company (Deuteronomy 12:9). First, they would have to expel those who had gone beyond the limits of evil (Genesis 15:16), and to fully remove idolatry from the land (Dt. 12:2-3).

On the other hand, God gave them Sabbath as a special moment to remember Creation and Redemption, thus enjoying divine rest (Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15).

Monday: Why didn’t they enter that rest? - Because of Unbelief

Heb. 3:12-19; 4:2; 3:13; 10:24; 12:15; Num. 13:32; 14:7-9; Exo. 14; 7-12; 40:36-38; Neh. 9:15-17; Ps. 106:24-26; 1Cor. 10:5-10.

“So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” (Hebrews 3:19)

Because of Unbelief, the Israelites Failed to Possess the Land of Promise

Israel came into the wilderness where they wandered about for 40 years. Thousands of them perished because of unbelief. At the end of the wilderness journey, the people crossed the Jordan. During the time Israel was away from Canaan, the land was thickly inhabited by heathen nations. Israel was compelled to destroy them by the sword in order to possess the land. Think of the loss of life, grief, and suffering: All because God took Israel into Egypt, and brought them back again. God certainly would not destroy His subjects: "just to show His power." {SR1: 66.2}

In 1 Cor. 10:11, 12, speaking of the experience of the children of Israel, we read: "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."

If we are the people upon whom the end of the world is about to come, then their ensamples are written for our admonition. This is the reason why God lead the children of Israel into Egypt and back again.

Type Of Promised Land--Israel In Father's House

If the promised land of Canaan is the type of the promised heavenly Canaan, then Jacob's father's house is the type of our Father's house. Just so, when Israel (the true) enters our Father's house in the heavenly Canaan there will be the twelve tribes, the 144,000. https://bit.ly/3zRxiYR The question arises, Are these all that will be saved in the third angel's message? Remember that when Jacob entered his father's house with his twelve sons he had many servants, male and female, that outnumbered his tribes (sons) many times. Just so with Israel (the true), who will have with them "a great multitude which no man could number." Rev. 7:9. (The great multitude {https://bit.ly/33yhZrX} came by the effort of the tribes after the fulfillment of Ezekiel 9). {SR1: 62.4}

Consider the following

The generation who left Egypt saw wonderful works from God, like no other generation.

However, only Caleb and Joshua believed God would fulfill His promise at the gates of Canaan.

The unbelief of the other ten spies was quickly spread among the people. Let’s not follow their example but strengthen our weak faith and encourage one another (Hebrews 12:12).

"Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:...Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in His goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off." (Rom. 11 :20-22.)

Tuesday: When do we enter this rest? - Today, If You Hear His Voice

Heb. 4:1, 3, 4-8, 9, 14-16; 2:14-16; Deut. 5:1-3; 4:8; 6:6; 11:2-7; Josh. 24:15; 2Cor. 6:2.

“again He designates a certain day, ‘Today’ ...” (Hebrews 4:7)

These things being written for our admonition, "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it." (Heb. 4:1, 2.)

Today is the Day of Rest in Christ

"Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to Him that appointed Him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. And to whom sware He that they should not enter into His rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief." (Heb). 3:1, 2, 18, 19.) "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it." (Heb. 4:1.) "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stead fast unto the end; while it is said, Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. But with whom was He grieved forty years? Was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness?" (Heb. 3:12-17.) {4SC10-12: 7.2.4}

Rest in Jesus, Heaven Begins

As through Jesus we enter into rest, heaven begins here. We respond to His invitation, Come, learn of Me, and in thus coming we begin the life eternal. Heaven is a ceaseless approaching to God through Christ. The longer we are in the heaven of bliss, the more and still more of glory will be opened to us; and the more we know of God, the more intense will be our happiness. {FLB 367.4}

When the Lord's people are filled with meekness and tenderness, they will realize that His banner over them is love, and His fruit will be sweet to their taste. They will make a heaven below in which to prepare for heaven above. {FLB 367.5}

Consider the following

The rest God promised to Israel—and to all humankind—was not fully given when Canaan was conquered (Hebrews 4:8). And not even when Israel controlled all the promised land in times of David and Solomon (2 Chronicles 9:26), because the people of God were still idolatrous.

This rest is intimate communion with God. It’s been at our disposal for everyone since Creation (Hebrews 4:3-4), even TODAY (Hebrews 4:7). Some people have already entered it, and others are about to do so (Hebrews 4:1, 6, 9-10).

“Today” we are called to acknowledge that God has been faithful to us, and that we have enough reasons to accept His invitation right away.

Wednesday: Which is God’s rest? - Entering into His Rest

Heb. 3:11; 4:1, 3, 4, 9-11, 16; 10:12-14; Exo. 15:18-21; 20:8-11; 31:18; 34:28; Deut. 5:12-15; 11:24; 2Sam 8:1-14; John 19:30; 1Kings 4:21-25.

“For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.” (Hebrews 4:10)

For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His. Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:10-12.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: {ExV 37.1}

Ponder Upon this Question

Shall we, who have first embraced the message, now fail, as did those who were called first in every age?

Prophetic Voice of History

To "us upon whom the ends of the world are come," these concerns speak louder than to any people at any time in the past. Therefore let us cry out to God to help us take warning from the sad experiences of those who have failed, so that we may, as did the Ninevites of old, defeat the prophetic voice of history, which broadcasts the warning that, unless we take heed, the tragic doom of the firstborn, hanging ominously over our heads, will take us also. {5SC1-5: 7.2.6}

Rest by Wearing Christ’s Yoke and Bearing His Burden

When people are not willing to see the truth and receive it because it involves a cross, they are opening the door to Satan’s temptations. He will lead them, as he led Eve in Eden, to believe a lie. The truth through which they might have been sanctified is set aside for some pleasing delusion presented by the destroyer of souls. {CTr 323.6}

It is often the case that the most precious truth appears to lie close by the side of fatal errors. The rest that Christ promised to all who should learn of Him lies close beside indifference and carnal quietude, and multitudes overlook the fact that this rest is found only in wearing Christ’s yoke and bearing His burden, in possessing His meekness and lowliness.—Manuscript 100, 1893. {CTr 323.7}

Consider the following

We are encouraged to enter God’s rest, not ours.

There are two moments in the Bible when God rested: Sabbath (Genesis 2:2-3), and after the construction of the Temple (2 Chronicles 6:41).

In the first case, He had finished His work. In the second, His promises had been fulfilled. The first rest was broken by sin, and the second was incomplete.

God still longs to give us full and perfect rest, like Adam and Eve were given in their first Sabbath. He will give it to us once His throne is established at the New Jerusalem (Revelation 22:3). Will you want to enter His rest?

Thursday: When will we enjoy this rest? - A Foretaste of New Creation

Exo. 20:8-11; Deut. 5:12-15; Heb. 4:8-11.

“For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.” (Hebrews 4:10)

Those who accept Christ as their Saviour have the promise of the life that now is, and that which is to come. The human agent owes no part of his ability to the service of Satan; but his entire allegiance is due to the infinite and eternal God. The lowliest disciple of Christ may become an inhabitant of heaven, an heir of God to an inheritance incorruptible, and that fadeth not away. O that every one might make choice of the heavenly gift, become an heir of God to that inheritance whose title is secure from any destroyer, world without end! O, choose not the world, but choose the better inheritance! Press, urge your way toward the mark for the prize of your high calling in Christ Jesus. For Christ's sake, let the aim of your education be shaped by the inducements of the better world.-- Review and Herald, Nov. 21, 1893. {FE 234.3}

Foretaste of Happiness

But Satan is contending for the souls of men, and casts his hellish shadow athwart their path, in order that they shall not behold the light. He would not have them catch a glimpse of the future honor, the eternal glories, laid up for those who shall be inhabitants of heaven, or have a taste of the experience that gives a foretaste of the happiness of heaven. But with the heavenly attractions set before the mind to inspire hope, to awaken desire, to spur to effort, how can we turn from the prospect, and choose sin and its wages, which is death? {FE 234.2}

Foretaste of Glory

No Christian of any faith can honestly deny the church's need of purification. And as the Lord never does anything without forewarning His church, He is now sending to her the message of purification, in order to give her a foretaste of future glory, so that as heaven's clarion call to reformation continues sounding forth among His people, they may have a keen relish for its truth, and may give themselves wholeheartedly to the work of reform, right now while He is clearly laying before them His plan for the setting up of His kingdom with consequent results to the sinners. Those who give implicit heed to the call, shall have an irresistible desire to come fully into line and to have the Lord separate them from sin and sinners. They alone shall receive the seal of God and as the first fruits of the kingdom, 144,000 strong, stand with the Lamb on "Mount Zion"! {TN8: 20.2}

Foretaste of Heaven

As we fully believe that we are His by adoption, we may have a foretaste of heaven. . . . We have a nearness to Him, and can hold sweet communion with Him. We obtain distinct views of His tenderness and compassion, and our hearts are broken and melted with contemplation of the love that is given to us. We feel indeed an abiding Christ in the soul. We abide in Him, and feel at home with Jesus. . . . We have a realizing sense of the love of God, and we rest in His love. No language can describe it, it is beyond knowledge. We are one with Christ, our life is hid with Christ in God. We have the assurance that when He who is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with Him in glory. With strong confidence we can call God our Father. {OFC 201.3}

Consider the following

In Hebrews 11, Paul mentioned several people who had been faithful to God. Then, he encouraged us to follow his faith example by abandoning sin and running to the finish line.

Then, he introduced Jesus as our role model. He is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. He is the beginning and the end. He is and will always be our role model.

As we imitate Him, we are being perfected day by day (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Friday: Meditation

A FORETASTE OF HEAVEN.—Rest yourself wholly in the hands of Jesus. Contemplate His great love, and while you meditate upon His self-denial, His infinite sacrifice made in our behalf in order that we should believe in Him, your heart will be filled with holy joy, calm peace, and indescribable love. As we talk of Jesus, as we call upon Him in prayer, our confidence that He is our personal, loving Saviour will strengthen and His character will appear more and more lovely. . . . We may enjoy rich feasts of love, and as we fully believe that we are His by adoption, we may have a foretaste of heaven. Wait upon the Lord in faith. The Lord draws out the soul in prayer, and gives us to feel His precious love. We have a nearness to Him, and can hold sweet communion with Him. We obtain distinct views of His tenderness and compassion, and our hearts are broken and melted with contemplation of the love that is given to us. We feel indeed an abiding Christ in the soul. We abide in Him, and feel at home with Jesus. The promises flow into the soul. Our peace is like a river, wave after wave of glory rolls into the heart, and indeed we sup with Jesus and He with us. We have a realizing sense of the love of God, and we rest in His love. {Pr 11.3}

Questions to Ponder

1. Why was the ANCIENT ISRAEL fail to enter the promised land of rest?

2. How should you help others prepare for God’s promise of rest?

3. How can we make sure that we stand strong when confronted with challenges in our human relationship?

4. What activities you’re doing to strengthen your ways that had been delayed?

5. In what ways that our assurance of salvation is in Christ and not in ourselves?

From the Pen of Inspiration

“A life in Christ is a life of restfulness [...] Your hope is not in yourself; it is in Christ. Your weakness is united to His strength, your ignorance to His wisdom, your frailty to His enduring might [...] Let the mind dwell upon His love, upon the beauty, the perfection, of His character. Christ in His self-denial, Christ in His humiliation, Christ in His purity and holiness, Christ in His matchless love—this is the subject for the soul's contemplation. It is by loving Him, copying Him, depending wholly upon Him, that you are to be transformed into His likeness.” Steps to Christ, cp. 8, p. 70

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