Learning to Rest in Christ
By Emily Rose Massey
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-7, NASB).
My husband has a remote position, so he works from home Monday-Friday. When he logs off for the day, he typically goes straight for his spot on the couch to kick up his feet. His workday is over, and it is now time to relax and rest for a little while before dinner is ready. He is a “worker bee” by nature, so he has had to practice this routine of relaxation and remind himself often that it is important to take breaks. I must admit that I struggle with this “go, go, go” mentality too and need to remember to rest. Sitting down is a position of rest.
The Bible tells us that Jesus, our great High Priest, is now seated at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 10:12, Mark 16:19). Before He had taken His final breath, he declared "it is finished" (John 19:30). He accomplished all the Father had asked of Him and paid in full all debt of sin. Jesus is now sitting because the work is finished. In His graciousness, He is now forever making intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25), but that is not an act of striving. The end has already been written- He has won the victory for us!
Did you know the Bible also says that we, as believers, are now seated with Christ? We can find that truth in Ephesians 2:
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-7, NASB).
Intersecting Faith and Life:
Because of Christ's finished work on the cross that poured out God’s great mercy upon us, we no longer have to strive to earn God's love or forgiveness. We are forgiven! We are God's beloved children who receive His grace and mercy daily! This truth will echo into eternity as we see and experience His rich grace and love toward us forever. We have been given an inheritance in Jesus, our salvation, and abundant life forever joined with Him. We are seated in heavenly places with Him meaning that, like Christ, our striving is done, the work has been accomplished. Because we are in Christ, we receive the fruit of His labor of love. We can rest in that blessed assurance even as we serve Him. Do you find yourself striving to earn God’s love and forgiveness on your walk with Him? We need the good news of our salvation to permeate our hearts every day to remind us that we did nothing to earn it and we can do nothing to keep it. It is all the work of Christ, the finished work of the cross. His grace is sufficient and powerful to both save and keep those who are His chosen children. His grace also empowers us to accomplish what He has called us to do here on earth. Your story of walking with Jesus is not about your works or what you can do to look more like Him in your own power or strength, it is about working with grace and allowing it to do its work in you and through you. The more you lean into His grace, the more you will see growth and maturity in your heart and life. Through this dependency on Him, this resting in Him, you will make Jesus famous and not your own name. God alone will receive all the glory that is due His name. Spend some time meditating on the truth found in Ephesians 2:4 and write down in your journal areas of your relationship with God where you are struggling with control issues and trusting God’s grace. Receive God’s fresh mercies today!
Further Reading:
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