Rest For Your Souls

Rest For Your Souls

Part Two - The Rest Of Victory In Christ

Psalm 23:1-3 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

What a blessing it is for the children of God to walk with Jesus day by day, to live in continual fellowship with Him, trusting in Him for their every care and need. What a privilege to know this Shepherd as our personal Saviour. We need never fear when we remember that Jesus is always with us. He continually makes us to lie down in green pastures and is ever leading us beside still waters. The perfect peace and rest He provides is more than we could ever imagine. This psalm gives us a beautiful picture of what it is to rest content in the Saviour, our Shepherd. That is a privilege only His children can claim. Exodus 33:14 And He said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest .

Are you trusting in Jesus Christ alone for salvation? Are you resting in the complete forgiveness and cleansing He has provided for whosoever will come to Him? Are you finished with your own toiling and labouring to earn God's approval? Through His death on Calvary, and the shedding of His blood for our sins, He has done all that is needed to save your soul. Through His physical resurrection, He proved that He had the power to save you from sin, death, and the grave. Have you trusted in Jesus' finished work on the cross? His death paid the full penalty needed to reconcile you to the Heavenly Father, if you will receive His gift of salvation by faith. Let His precious blood wash your sins away.

If you have trusted in Jesus to save you, are you now resting in Him day by day? Do you have peace and joy in your Christian walk, or do you feel like you are spinning on a roller coaster ride, one day up the next day down? Is victory a foreign concept to you? It doesn't have to be! Daily victory is a result of faith, of spending time with the Lord in prayer and in reading His Word. We also need to be regularly attending a church where the Word of God is clearly preached and taught, where we will be fed spiritually and equipped in our service for the Shepherd. Song of Solomon 1:7 Tell me, O Thou whom my soul loveth, where Thou feedest, where Thou makest Thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of Thy companions?

Like Israel, we can forfeit our daily victory through lack of trust in the Saviour, and the perfect rest He gives.

When Israel was traveling through the wilderness, twelve men were sent to spy out Canaan. The land was abundant and fruitful. Truly it was a land of milk and honey, where the grapes of Eshcol grew so big that one cluster needed two men to carry it! God had given them the land, but they needed to trust Him to fight the battles for them. Ten of the spies discouraged the Israelites from claiming victory, and therefore they refused to enter the promised land. As a result, they were chastised by spending forty years wandering in the wilderness, a barren land of unrest and strife.

Here is what the Lord Himself (through Paul) had to say about their wanderings in Hebrews 3:7-19:

Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear His voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted Me, proved Me, and saw My works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known My ways. So I sware in My wrath, They shall not enter into My rest.) 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 To day; 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 stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day 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 carcases fell in the wilderness? 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.

We see that of the whole nation of Israel, only two men (of all those 20 years old and upward) were able to enter into the promised land. These two were Joshua and Caleb; all the rest of the nation died in their wilderness wanderings, without ever seeing the land of rest and promise. They lost out on the victory through unbelief! They would not trust the Lord to give them the victory over their enemies. Even so today, you and I can miss out on the blessings of God, miss out on the victorious life, because of a lack of faith, a lack of trust in what the Lord has said. Unbelief is sin! And we don't need to give in to it! We just need the simple faith of a child which believes simply because their parent has spoken. Our Heavenly Father has spoken clearly in His Word. Let's claim His promises and believe Him, not our feelings or our reasonings. God said it, that settles it!

The Greek word for "believed not" in Hebrews 3:18 is Strong's #544, which means "to disbelieve (willfully and perversely)". It was a choice on the part of the Israelites to not believe, to perversely refuse to believe God's promised rest of victory. We encounter a different form of that word (Strong's # 543, "unbelief") in chapter four verses 6 and 11 (see below). Will we choose to rebel and be unbelieving like the Israelites, or will we choose in simple faith to trust and believe what the Lord has said in His Word? How many times have we as Christians refused to believe that the Lord knows what is best for us? When we choose to "believe not" that Jesus will give us the power we need to overcome sin and bondage in our own lives, and we refuse the cleansing touch He offers, we are, in effect, rebelling (though we don't like to think of our unbelief in that way) against Him. We know that the change would be uncomfortable, and we prefer to avoid the discomfort of striving against sin. In our compromise, we let sin gradually take over, and thus lose the victory that the Lord has promised to give us, if we will only walk by faith. 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Hebrews 4:1-11 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. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as He said, As I have sworn in My wrath, if they shall enter into My rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For He spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all His works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into My rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: Again, He limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts. For if Jesus had given them rest, then would He not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

There are three types of rest promised in Hebrews four, and sometimes there is confusion when this chapter is not rightly divided. The main emphasis of chapters three and four is the rest of victory, and the loss of that rest through unbelief and disobedience.

The first rest is the rest of salvation. We find this mentioned in verse 10. For he that is entered into His* rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His. *Commentators seem divided as to whose rest is specifically in view here: either the believer's rest from his own works (in regards to salvation - rest from our own works, rest from striving to earn God’s approval through our own “righteousness”), or entering into Christ's rest through faith in His finished work on the cross. Basically, they both amount to the same thing, and are merely two sides of the same coin; Biblically, we quit striving to work our way toward Heaven when we truly rest in Christ's finished work. I have already covered that in my first study on rest - And I Will Give You Rest (The Rest Of Salvation). Matthew 11:28 Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Another rest mentioned in this passage is the rest of Heaven. This is the believers' eternal home, where all sin is vanquished and there is perfect peace and joy. Here there is no more striving against the world, the flesh, and the devil; our own sinful nature has been removed forever (do I hear an Amen?), and we have finished whatever service the Lord has planned for us in this earthly life. This is the rest referred to in verse 9: There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. This is a promised rest that is not conditioned on anything we can do or have done, except for our personal faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. It is not a rest we can earn (or even forfeit), but the end result of the first rest - the perfection (completion) of our salvation. Revelation 14:13 says, And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. At the end of a long day of working in the field of this sin-cursed world, this is the rest from our toil and labour.

The third rest (and the overall theme of Hebrews 3:7-4:11) is the rest of victory in Jesus Christ - rest for our souls. It is a rest conditioned upon our daily trust in the Lord, and our walk by faith. Notice that four times in this chapter, Paul says, "Let us …" (Hebrews 4:1,11,14,16) He is speaking to professing Christians here and stating that there is a rest that we can come short of. (This is not the rest of salvation - though the unsaved can forfeit that through willful rejection of the only Saviour.) In verse three, he states that "we which have believed do enter into rest", but the others did not. So this rest is a rest promised to believers.

This rest for our souls is found only in the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe the King James Bible is accurate when it states the name "Jesus" in Hebrews 4:8. While it is true that Joshua (a type of Jesus) led the Israelites into the promised land, and they had victory over the enemies when they trusted fully in the Lord, it was not Joshua who spoke through King David in Psalms 95 (which Paul quotes from in Hebrews chapters three and four). Hebrews 4:7-8 says Again, He limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts. For if Jesus had given them rest, then would He not afterward have spoken of another day. If Jesus had given the Israelites the rest mentioned in this passage of Scripture (spiritual rest, the rest of victory) when they entered Canaan, then He would not have promised rest almost five hundred years later through this Psalm of David. As we will see in this study, this promised rest is much more than a relief from physical enemies, but is in fact a spiritual rest, a rest of victory through abiding in Christ.

Over and over again, reference is made to Israel's wanderings in the wilderness. They were promised the land; the Lord said He would fight their battles for them and give them the victory over the inhabitants of Canaan; but they refused to believe Him. In the books of Joshua and Judges, we see this rest pictured. After God's people had crossed the Jordan River, they were faced with the Canaanites (and other ungodly nations), which the Lord told them to wipe out because of their wickedness and abominations. When the Israelites did exactly as the Lord commanded them to do, they had victory upon victory with little or no loss of life. The Lord fought their battles as He promised He would.

Joshua 21:44 And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that He sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand.

1 Kings 8:56 Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto His people Israel, according to all that He promised: there hath not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised by the hand of Moses His servant.

But there were times that God's people did not wipe out their enemies, they did not follow God's instructions, they did not deal with sin in the camp, and the results were grievous and many lives were lost.

The Bible is a book full of examples to learn from and be admonished of. (See Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17) Israel's crossing of the Jordan and entering the promised land represents the life of a believer after he/she comes to Christ for salvation. (I challenge you to read the books of Joshua and Judges again - especially Judges 1-2, praying for wisdom and examining them it in the light of the following comments.) As they dealt with their sin and compromise and completely followed the Lord's instructions in His Word, the Lord gave them complete and utter victory over their enemies - the world, the flesh, and the devil. BUT when they chose not to fight against their enemies - to drive them out of the land, and chose the path of carnal peace and compromise, they suffered severe defeat. These nations that they did not conquer became thorns in their sides (See Joshua 23:8-13 and Judges 2:2-3), and snares unto them. Likewise, when we refuse to deal completely with the sins in our lives, eventually those same sins will become thorns in our sides and snares to our spiritual lives. We will reap what we sow. If we sow sin (by walking according to the flesh), we will reap a harvest of sorrow and tears; but if we sow righteousness (by walking according to the leading of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God), we will reap a harvest of blessings and victory. (See also Hosea 8:7) (For a further look into this spiritual conflict, contrast Joshua 7 with Joshua 14. Also Joshua 15:63; 16:10; 17:12-13; with Joshua 17:14-18; 19:47. The issue here is faith versus unbelief.)

In 1 John 5:13 it says, These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. It used to puzzle me to see the same phrase repeated in the same verse, until I learned what it meant to "believe on" Jesus Christ. To "believe on" is to put your trust, your dependence on something, to commit yourself to it. First, we need to believe on Jesus for salvation, then, secondly, we need to believe on Him for our daily walk. We need to depend on Him for victory. The just shall live by faith is a phrase that is repeated three times in the New Testament. (See Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; and Hebrews 10:38) Our Heavenly Father didn't just intend us to be saved by faith, but also to live our whole Christian lives by faith! The last quote was just before the great Faith Chapter - Hebrews 11. There we have examples of believers throughout history who have lived (and died) in victory they received through faith. Will you be one of them?

Hebrews 4:11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. The word for "labour" means "to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest; be diligent." Paul (and the Holy Spirit) are exhorting us to earnestly strive for victory in Christ, to be diligent to ensure that we do not lose this victory through our willful unbelief, through our lack of trust in the Lord. How do we achieve or maintain this victory? The next five verses give us three things to continue in, three things that are so essential if we are to be victorious, three things that will enable us to abide in the rest of victory that Jesus Christ offers to the child of God:

1) Stay continually in the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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. It is interesting to note that right after we are given the command to enter into His rest, we are reminded of the means to do so: it is the Word of God that gives us the faith we are to walk by (Romans 10:17), teaches us how we are to live and please the Lord day by day, and, like a mirror, shows us what we are like in God's sight and what we should be like. When the Holy Spirit reveals to us what we need to change in our lives, let us seek His wisdom and His strength to do so. (See James 1:22-25) Let us take and apply what God's Word teaches us, and stand where His Word commands us to.

2) Look continually to Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:13-15 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us remember that Jesus can sympathize with us in all our infirmities. He was tempted in all points as we are, yet He never gave in to sin; therefore He is the only person who can truly understand our weaknesses and struggles, and can give us victory over all of them! He can give us the strength and faith to overcome the spiritual battles in our lives! Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. (See also Proverbs 5:21 and Psalms 139:23-24)

3) Pray continually, and come continually to the throne of grace. Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. When we sin, and lose the victory through our unbelief, we need God's mercy (that is God withholding what we do deserve) - we need His forgiveness and cleansing daily. (See Lamentations 3:22-23; Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9) Then we need the Lord's grace (that is Him freely giving us what we don't deserve) - to regain the victory, to retake the land that we have let the Canaanites conquer in our lives.

This is a day by day, moment by moment, battle!

The Greek word for "help" in verse 16 (quoted above) literally means "to run to the cry". When we earnestly cry out in prayer, Jesus will run to our cry and give us the victory. He has promised to give us all the help we need when we look to Him in faith.

Are there sins in your life that the Lord has given you clear guidance on how to overcome? Are you trusting Jesus for the grace and strength you need to be victorious over these specific sins, and to flee temptation? Some verses that will help you are: 1 Corinthians 10:13; Philippians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Deuteronomy 33:25. We must remember that spiritual victory only comes through Jesus - not through any type of man-made philosophies, not psychology nor psychiatry, but only through faith and trust in His Word! If you don't read and study the Bible, your faith will not grow. (See Romans 10:17) Get in the Book! Then claim the promises you find. Learn from the examples you see. And trust the Lord daily for the rest of victory!

1 Corintjhians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place.

Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

Matthew 11:29-30 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.

Psalms 116:7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.

All The Way My Saviour Leads Me
(Lyrics: Fanny Crosby)

All the way my Savior leads me
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav'nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living Bread.
Though my weary steps may falter
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me
O the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father's house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.

Hebrews 4:1   "Let us therefore fear" coming short of this promised rest of victory in Christ.
Hebrews 4:11 "Let us labour" to enter into this rest through faith.
Hebrews 4:14 "Let us hold fast our profession."
Hebrews 4:16 "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace."

Study written August 2nd, 2002
Jerry Bouey

For Part One:
And I Will Give Your Rest - The Rest Of Salvation

For a follow up study on this theme:
Conquering The Canaanites In Your Life

And I Will Give You Rest

And I Will Give You Rest

Part One - The Rest Of Salvation

To quote a hymn writer: "Are you weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?"

What are you doing with your burdens? Are you trying to carry them yourself? Are you weighed down with trying to reach Heaven through your own good deeds and righteousness? Are you oppressed by all the legalistic rules that religious leaders have placed upon you? Matthew 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. These burdens of men are heavy and grievous indeed!

It doesn't have to be that way. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28 Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. There is a rest found only in the Saviour that the religions of the world can never offer you. It is the rest from striving for perfection, striving to keep the Law, striving to make your good deeds outweigh your bad deeds.

By the way, that can never happen. In God's sight, when we are without Jesus Christ we have no good deeds. Isaiah 64:6 says, But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. The Bible teaches that none of us are righteous - we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (See Romans 3:10, 23) Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him (Jesus) the iniquity of us all.

All of us have gone our own way in life (whether it be the way of atheism, the way of the religious - trying to work our way to Heaven by adding church service or baptism, etc. to the Gospel - whatever our way has been. That's the problem, it's our way!), not the Lord's way. The wages of our sin against God is death in a literal, fiery place called Hell. (See Romans 6:23) There is nothing we can do to escape that punishment. The wrath of God must strike and our sins must be judged.

But praise the Lord Jesus Christ! Jesus offers us rest from the penalty of the Law. He took all our sins upon Himself when He died on the cross. He died in our place, as our substitute, and bore the judgment for our sins so that we wouldn't have to, if we place personal faith in Him and in the perfect salvation He provides.

The saying that lightning never strikes twice in the same place is so true. The lightning of God's wrath struck the Lord on Calvary, and if by faith we accept His payment in our place, we will never be struck by that wrath. God's wrath will not strike His children, because His only begotten Son has already borne it! Romans 5:6, 8-9 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

1 Corinthians 5:7 …For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

1 Peter 2:24; 3:18 Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.

1 John 2:1-2 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

The fact that He arose again after three days in the tomb is the proof that His sacrifice (of Himself) for our sins was accepted by God the Father. Romans 4:24-25 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Several beautiful types of the rest of salvation found in Jesus are portrayed in the story of Noah's Ark:

1) First, we have Noah's name, which means rest. (Genesis 5:29)

2) We have the ark itself, which is a picture of the refuge found in Christ from the wrath of God (which was displayed by the worldwide flood). It is interesting to note that in the description of the Ark in Genesis 6:14-16, there are seven specific things mentioned: Gopher wood, rooms, pitch, dimensions, a window, a door, 3 floors. Seven is God's number of perfection, completion. So here we have a picture of God's perfect salvation through Jesus Christ, who is our complete refuge from God's wrath against sin (eternity in Hell). There was only one door to enter into the Ark. God has only one way of salvation, only one Saviour who paid the complete penalty for our sin, only one name whereby we must be saved! (See John 14:6; Acts 4:12) Once Noah and his family entered the Ark, they were completely safe from the destruction of the flood. The Lord Himself shut them in the Ark, and it is the Lord Himself who keeps us in Christ, safely preserved unto Heaven. (See Genesis 7:16; 1 Peter 1:3-5)

3) In Genesis 8:8-9, when Noah released the dove, she found no rest for the sole of her feet from the chaos of the world after the flood, except in the Ark itself. Even so, Jesus Christ is the only refuge for our souls from the chaos of this world. Is your soul resting in Him?

In Isaiah 28:9-13, we have a passage dealing with the rest found in studying the Word of God. Notice especially verse 12 (which I have bolded). Whom shall He teach knowledge? and whom shall He make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people. To whom He said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

When we study the Word of God and compare Scripture with Scripture, building precept upon precept (which means we study each passage where a doctrine is taught and we put them together to arrive at the correct conclusion), we will find rest and refreshing. In what way? Because the Word of truth rightly divided reveals the Saviour. Verse 16 says Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Jesus Christ is that corner stone. (See 1 Peter 2:6-8) This rest and refreshing of salvation is found only in Him! The testimony of Jesus is the heart (the spirit) of the whole Bible. (See Revelation 19:10) Peter's promise to the Jews in Acts 3:19 is just as true for us today. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

When we are striving to keep the Law on our own (to earn salvation), the burden is heavy and grievous. God's requirement is perfect obedience, and we all fall short of that mark already. There is only one person in the history of the world that has ever kept the Law fully, completely fulfilling all its requirements - the Messiah who is both God and man, Jesus Christ. (See 1 Timothy 3:16 and John 1:14) Matthew 5:17-20 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

If we accept His free gift of salvation, we are then credited with His righteousness, and that righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. No longer are we as filthy rags in God's sight, but we are covered in the spotless white robe of Christ's righteousness. When our Heavenly Father looks at us, He doesn't see our sinfulness, but He sees the perfect righteousness of His sinless Son.

After we have received Jesus as our Saviour, He then works through us to enable us to fulfill God's will for our lives, and gives us the grace and strength to obey Him. 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous. When you walk with the Lord Jesus Christ, He bears the burden with you. Matthew 11:29-30 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. Like two oxen yoked together will bear the burden together, so too, when we are yoked together with Jesus, He will enable us to bear the burden in our service to Him, because He bears it with us! (And, believe me, He carries most of the load!) But if we buck against the Lord's will for our lives, then the burden will seem so heavy.

There is one final Old Testament type that I want to bring to your attention in this matter of resting in Christ, our salvation. That is the Sabbath and what it pictured. Of all the ten commandments, nine are clearly restated in the New Testament as still binding on the Christian. (See Romans 13:9; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; and other passages.) But the Sabbath is not commanded to the Christian - why not? Because it has been completely fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The word Sabbath means rest, and Jesus Christ is our rest! Colossians 2:16-17 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Exodus 31:14-15 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

The Jews were to work six days, but on the seventh they were to rest and do no work. If they worked, they were punished for it. Many critics get upset at this command in the Scriptures because they do not understand it. If we understand clearly what the Sabbath pictured, then the commandment and the punishment for not obeying it is simple to understand. The Jews were not to work on the Sabbath because it pictured the free gift of salvation found in Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Titus 3:4-6 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Several passages that clearly teach about the Sabbath are as follows: (Note: these passages are specifically referring to the Sabbath on the Day of Atonement, when all Israel's sins were dealt with once a year, which pictured Christ's sacrifice once for all.)

Leviticus 16:29-31 And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you: For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD. It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever.

Leviticus 23:26-32 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God. For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people. Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.

In the above passages, there are several things I want to point out:

1) The Jews were to afflict their souls. They were to be repentant of their sins and acknowledge them to God. This was a requirement for both the Jews and those that sojourned among them (the Gentiles).

2) They were not to work at all, because on that day the priest would make an atonement for their sins. This day was to be a holy day, one set apart from all other days.

3) There was nothing they could do to add to the atonement or take away from it their only requirement was to repent and believe. Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. They were to afflict their souls on that day, or they would be cut off from their people (the people of God). Jesus said in Luke 13:3,5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Repentance was absolutely essential to be saved. Repentance means a change of mind resulting in a change of conduct. If the Jews did not acknowledge the guilt of their sin to the Lord and turn from it to the Saviour, they would be cut off from the people of God. This is just as true for us today: if we refuse to repent, saying a meaningless prayer is not going to save us - we will not go to Heaven, and we will be cut off eternally from the people of God. We need to believe in our heart. (See Romans 10:9-10)

4) By the way, the alternative to eternity in Heaven is eternity in Hell. Jesus spoke twice as much about Hell as He did about Heaven! This is seen in the threat that those who work on the Sabbath will be destroyed from among the people. This pictures the person who chooses to add their good deeds to the Gospel. The Bible teaches that they will be destroyed in Hell. You cannot add to Christ's work on the cross - He will not accept it! If there was any other way that we could be saved apart from Christ's finished work on Calvary, He would never have needed to die for our sins!

Isaiah 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

Have you personally trusted the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, believing that He died for your sins on the cross? Do you believe that He paid the full penalty when He suffered the wrath of God in your place? Have you received His free gift of salvation? If not, why not turn from your sin and receive the Saviour today? He's waiting for your answer. Find your rest in Him!

The Haven Of Rest
(Words: Henry L. Gilmour)

My soul in sad exile was out on life's sea,
So burdened with sin and distressed,
Till I heard a sweet voice, saying,
"Make Me your choice";
And I entered the "Haven of Rest"!

Chorus:
I've anchored my soul in the "Haven of Rest,"
I'll sail the wide seas no more;
The tempest may sweep over the wild, stormy, deep,
In Jesus I'm safe evermore.

I yielded myself to His tender embrace,
In faith taking hold of the Word,
My fetters fell off, and I anchored my soul;
The "Haven of Rest" is my Lord.

The song of my soul, since the Lord made me whole,
Has been the old story so blest,
Of Jesus, Who'll save whosoever will have
A home in the "Haven of Rest."

How precious the thought that we all may recline,
Like John, the beloved so blest,
On Jesus' strong arm, where no tempest can harm,
Secure in the "Haven of Rest."

O come to the Savior, He patiently waits
To save by His power divine;
Come, anchor your soul in the "Haven of Rest,"
And say, "My Beloved is mine."

July 10th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

For Part Two:
Rest For Your Souls - The Rest Of Victory In Christ

Exercising Thyself Unto Godliness

Exercising Thyself Unto Godliness

How is your exercise routine? Primarily, I am not referring to physical exercise, though, of course, it does have its time and place in our lives. Too often society places unreasonable or unfair expectations on us. While we may feel better about ourselves when we are in better shape, feeling like we can never achieve our weight loss goals or please others with the way we look physically can take an ongoing toll. Plus, we must not expect to be able to maintain or achieve the condition we had in our twenties with our actual condition in middle age or even later years. Our bodies do age and don’t work the same way they once did when we were younger - including our metabolisms. Many of us also have developed health issues as the years went on - whether from aging, or perhaps even as the result of accidents or of things that have happened to us throughout the years.

Whatever your physical condition, your spiritual condition is so much more important in the eyes of God (regardless of what expectations others may place on you).

1 Timothy 6:5-8 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Are you spiritually flabby or getting in better shape as time goes on? Here are some helpful Bible principles about Spiritual Exercises:

1) Don’t exercise yourself in great matters.

Don’t allow anything in your spiritual life that would make you proud or cause you to take your eyes off of the Lord.

Psalms 131:1 A SONG OF DEGREES OF DAVID. LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.

Hebrews 12:1-2  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Be steadfast - focussed - on the Lord, day by day - EVERY day.

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Matthew 17:8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

Keep looking unto Jesus - keep your eyes on Him alone.

2) Exercise lovingkindness and other characteristics that show Christ living in and through you.

Follow your Saviour’s example if you want to please Him each day.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

Strive to be like your Lord. Exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in your dealings with others. Follow other believers as they follow the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1  Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

If they are not living separated and holy lives, be careful with how much time you allow yourself to spend with them. This verse is still in the Book:

1 Corinthians 15:33  Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

3) Exercise a pure conscience.

Do what you know is right each day. Abstain from all things that your conscience convicts you of. Choose, like Paul, to have a clear conscience void of offence towards God and towards others.

Acts 24:16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

Too often believers ignore the warnings of their conscience and get themselves into trouble.

1 Timothy 1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

1 Peter 3:15-17 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

1 Timothy 1:4-6 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;

This last passage also ties in with our next point. Let’s strive to be pure, sincere, genuine, with words that match our profession of faith.

4) Exercise godly and edifying speech.

Only be involved in conversations that edify and spiritually build up you and your fellow believers; ones that help remind them of the Word of God and help them to understand it - not ones that lead to endless arguments, or to doubting and questioning God’s Word.

1 Timothy 4:7-9 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

Proverbs 15:4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Proverbs 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Is your conversation edifying? Does it build up and strengthen others? Or are you exercising your tongue for evil?

5) Exercise discernment.

We grow in discernment by applying God’s Word to ALL areas of our lives. The Bible is to be our gauge, our measuring rod in ALL things.

Hebrews 5:12-14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Are you a spiritual babe in Christ, or are you a maturing believer, growing in your faith in Christ?

1 Peter 2:2-3 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

Many do not like to critique their entertainment, their choice of friends, or even their intake of spiritual food, but we are commanded to base our whole lives upon what God has already told us in His Word.

1 Corinthians 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

We have all heard the popular phrase, “Eat the meat and spit out the bones.” In general, that is a good idea. If you are reading a relatively solid Christian book or hearing a basically good sermon, throw out the little bits that don’t seem to fit with God’s Word. However, if the writer or preacher is a heretic, a false brother, someone that is presenting a very skewed version of the truth, stop listening to them!

Proverbs 19:27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

Stop listening to teaching that is against the Lord and His Word - or you may find that what you intended to be a beneficial part of your spiritual diet is in fact poison that will ultimately affect your spiritual walk for evil.

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

6) Be exercised by God’s correction.

Remember, God corrects you because He loves you. Let His correction achieve its intended purpose by making those areas of your life right that He is chastening or correcting you for.

Hebrews 12:7-13 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

Dealing with the sin in our lives makes us holy, stronger in our spiritual walks, and more like the Lord Jesus Christ - which should be the end result of all our spiritual pursuits.

Spiritual exercises (in the context of this devotional) transform our lives, draw us closer to the Lord, and make us vessels fit for His use. 

2 Timothy 2:19-21 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

Are you striving to cling closely to the Lord, keeping short accounts. We all have moments where we struggle or temporarily take our eyes off the Saviour, but after being corrected, are you making straight paths for your feet, pulling up the slack in your spiritual life?

Are you exercising yourself unto godliness in all things?

A worthwhile pursuit indeed!

April 12th, 2025
Jerry Bouey
(with some verse suggestions and input from my Sis)

The Armour Of Light

The Armour Of Light

The night is far spent, the day is at hand:
let us therefore cast off the works of darkness,
and let us put on the armour of light.
Romans 13:12

Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

This passage is a very familiar one to most Christians, one that many keep coming back to over and over again to help them fight their daily spiritual battles. I have written several studies on the various components of the armour, so I won't list them again here, but I wanted to bring out a few newer points that I have been pondering on.

Whose armour is it? The Lord's. Whose strength and might do we go in? Christ's. The word power in verse 10 is Strong's #1743 and means "to empower; enable, increase in strength, make strong." The word for might also means "ability." We are to face each day with the strength and ability which the Lord offers all His children. There are to be no despairing thoughts of "I can't do it" in our Christian walk; we can do all things through Christ which strengthens us! If you need strength, wait on the Lord, and He promises to provide. (See Isaiah 40:28-31)

We know our fight isn't against the people we see around us, but is in reality against the spiritual forces of wickedness which we cannot see. The Devil wants to get us to lay down our weapons, and stop fighting, but God's Word teaches us otherwise. Romans 13:13 says:

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

When we wear the whole armour of God, then the Lord says we will be able to withstand in the evil day, in the time of trouble and temptation. The word for withstand here is Strong's #436 which means "to stand against; to resist."

In studying this passage about resisting Satan and his spiritual forces (devils, unclean spirits, fallen angels), two other verses immediately come to mind. These verses also contain the same word in Greek:

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

How do we resist the devil? By submitting to God; by humbling ourselves before Him (see the context of both passages quoted above), and by seeking and obeying His will. When the devil seeks to ensnare us, we will have the Lord's strength to resist him with. We need to be in prayer continually, and in the Word of God daily. There is no victory apart from the Word of God! When the liar and enemy of our soul tries to deceive us with his wiles or discourage us, we can overcome him by clinging to God's Word, by claiming His promises, and by reminding ourselves of His truth.

Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

According to this verse, it is the shield of faith that quenches all the fiery darts of the wicked! What are you waiting for, get in the Book! See what treasures Jesus has waiting there for you today! Stand strong and serve Him today in His might.

Written November 18th, 2002
By Jerry Bouey

For more on this theme:
The Armour Of God
Is Your Armour On? (Includes audio of sermon preached in 2023)

Is Your Amour On?

To hear an adapted version of this study combined with The Armour Of God study preached in 2023, please click on the link below:

Is Your Armour On? Sermon

Is Your Armour On?

So many Christians are concerned about wearing the armour of God (and rightly so), but there is so much unbiblical nonsense going around that it is rather disturbing. There is some truth and so much error taught in this area that many people will either get caught up in the false teachings and philosophies or avoid the issue altogether. This study will not be dealing with the whole armour (I have already written a study on that - The Armour Of God), but will be dealing with one essential part that so many neglect.

Ephesians 6:11-13 states: Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Notice that there is an emphasis on putting on the whole armour of God, not just part of it. We are not to pick and choose which pieces of the armour we prefer and then neglect the rest. Victory as a Christian only comes when we wear the whole armour.

A question today's Christian needs to think about is: Is your armour on?

While there may be areas we need to work on or study to understand a little better, for the most part, those of us who are Bible-believing Christians have no problem with ensuring that our lives are based on the truths of God's Word (Belt of Truth), that we are striving to live a righteous lifestyle (Breastplate of Righteousness), that we are studying God's Word to build up our faith (Shield of Faith), that we know we are saved (Helmet of Salvation), that we are using our swords (The Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God), and that we are praying. But there is one important component that many of us deliberately (again, I say, deliberately) overlook - Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace. That is witnessing, my brothers and sisters. I am as guilty as the next person for overlooking this important piece of armour at times in my Christian walk. But this should not be so.

This study will look at that specific piece of armour and why it is so essential to living a victorious Christian life.

Take another look at the passage in Ephesians quoted above. Paul says that it is important to wear the whole armour so that we can stand against the wiles of the devil, so we can withstand in the evil day. Withstand means to stand against, to resist. If you want victory over the devil in your day to day life, if you want power to stand against him (and to withstand him), then you need to put the whole armour on, including having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

Two other passages that emphasize the need to stand against the devil are:

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

The word resist in both of these passages is the same word in Greek as withstand in Ephesians 6. Spiritual warfare is active, not passive. You can't withstand an enemy by ignoring him, or by living your life oblivious to his wiles and schemes. We can resist the devil by wearing the whole armour of God.

An important passage about witnessing is: Romans 10:13-15 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

The word for preacher and preach in this passage is Strong's #2784 which means to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel). This is a reference to a proclaimer or publisher of the Gospel, a witness who shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ with someone else. In Romans 10:15, Paul is quoting from Isaiah 52:7 which is a prophecy about the good news of the coming Messiah. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Someone may say, "But I have not been sent!" Maybe not by men, but all Christians have been sent by the Lord, according to these verses: Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; John 15:16; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; 1 Thessalonians 2:4. John 20:21 says Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you. Why is it so important to share the Gospel with the lost? Because that is the only method of salvation the Lord has ordained - salvation through faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

When a person gets saved, they are fervent to witness and tell others about the salvation found in the Lord Jesus Christ. They are excited about going to Heaven and want to tell everyone they meet about their precious Saviour. But as time goes on, many Christians begin to cool off in their fervency and zeal. Their hearts gradually go cold, and then their feet go cold - they stop witnessing.

Cold hearts lead to cold feet!

But the solution is not to wait for their hearts to warm up again, the solution is to get their feet warm, and their hearts will defrost by itself. Get active soulwinning and your heart will warm up. Get out there where the lost are and your heart will begin to break for them, you will begin to care for and be concerned about others eternal welfare once again. Even the prophet Jeremiah realized this important fact. Lamentations 3:51 Mine eye affecteth mine heart...

Why do you think so many missions organizations are busy showing pictures and films about the lost in third world countries? Because they realize this same truth: If you see the need, your heart will be affected by it. They believe that this might be just the motivation you need to start giving to missions, to start praying for these lost, to submit yourself to the Holy Spirit's leading to go... I don't believe love for the lost is magically induced just because you are in a different location - if you won't witness to the lost around you here, you will not do it in a foreign country either. If you come up with excuses not to go to your lost neighbours here, you will come up with excuses not to go to the lost in the neighbouring villages next to you in darkest Africa. We need to get busy here, being ambassadors for Jesus Christ in our own neighbourhoods and cities, and then, if it is the Lord's will, He will open foreign fields for us.

Another clear and concise passage about the necessity of witnessing is Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

1) They overcame him (the accuser of the brethren, the devil) by the blood of the Lamb - by being washed in Jesus' blood which He shed at Calvary for their sins (Matthew 26:28; Ephesians 1:7; Revelation 1:5), and by being cleansed by His blood on a daily basis (1 John 1:7, 9).

2) And by the word of their testimony - These Christians were victorious because they were witnesses, they shared their testimonies with others! On the other side of the coin, this verse indicates that if we will not witness about the Lord Jesus Christ and the eternal salvation found only in Him, we will not be overcomers! (Note: this is referring to overcoming on a day by day basis - though born again believers are more than conquerors in Christ - we are overcomers through faith in Him according to Revelation 2-3 and 1 John 5:4-5 - we do not always walk in light of that victory. This is a key passage for showing us how we can obtain that victory on a daily basis, as we walk in right fellowship with the Lord.)

3) And they loved not their lives unto the death - They were more concerned with pleasing God than they were about being menpleasers; they were more concerned with being obedient and faithful to the Lord than they were about compromising to keep their lives. They would rather die than turn away from Jesus Christ, rather die than betray their Saviour. (See Matthew 16:24-26; Colossians 3:22-24) Their integrity and spiritual well-being was more important to them than their comfort and physical well-being. (See Daniel 3:16-18)

I would like to give a word of caution at this point: When you share your testimony, don't glorify your sin and the darkness you came out of, glorify the Saviour who saved you. Too many people give details that only fill the minds of others with sinful, graphic thoughts. That is not necessary. Paul never went into detail about how he slaughtered Christians, and never shared the specific ways and words he used to blaspheme God, he just said he murdered Christians and blasphemed the Lord. (See Galatians 1:13, 23-24; 1 Timothy 1:12-16) For example, if you came out of a past of drug and alcohol abuse, just state that. Don't go into detail about what type of drunken binges you've had and how many drugs you've abused. That doesn't glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, only the sin. Only go into as much detail as is appropriate and needed according to the person you are witnessing to. If you were a drug abuser witnessing to someone who is currently in bondage to drugs, you might go into a little more detail about how empty the drugs were, how they affected your family, and how they wrecked your life (so they can see that they also can escape that bondage and life of sin), but you don't need to give that kind of information to everyone you share your testimony with.

Go into detail about the Saviour and how the Saviour brought you out of the darkness you were previously living in. In my testimony on overcoming my depression, I didn't go into great detail about my thoughts, my sins, and my struggles during that time, only what was neccessary, but I did go into detail about the influences, the Scriptures, and the Lord Jesus Christ who helped me get out of that pit.

A perfect example of how witnessing helps us to claim the victory is found in the Song Of Solomon. I believe the primary interpretation of this book is the relationship between Jesus Christ and His bride (born-again Christians). While I don't understand all the symbolism at this point in time, there is still much I can glean from this book. Chapter 4 verses 11-12 state Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon. A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. First Solomon (and the Lord) declare that the Christian's speech is comely (see also verse 3), but then He states that she is closed up - there came a point in time, that she stopped telling others about the Saviour, her mouth was sealed. In verse 16, we have the Lord's solution to get her back on track - blow the winds of affliction and comfort on her. Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon My garden, that the spices thereof may flow out.

Both these winds, at various times, will cause the fountain of praise to flow again. Affliction, because it causes us to turn back to the Saviour and cling to Him. And comfort, because it makes us realize how much He loves us and cares for us.

In 5:1, we see the King in His garden. In verse 2, we see Him knocking on her door, but she is unwilling to get up and answer to His knock. She is backslidden - I sleep, but my heart waketh. She is filled with excuses why she can't go out. I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them? It's just too inconvenient, too uncomfortable. She is at her ease. Finally, she gets up to look for her king, but she goes looking in the city (she knew He was in the garden, the place of fellowship and seeking the Lord. (See Genesis 3:8; Matthew 26:36) She gets into trouble and the watchmen wound her and disgrace her (take her veil away). In her discouragement, she cries out to the daughters of Jerusalem, to tell her where He might be. These daughters then ask her, why is her beloved so special? She gets her eyes back on her King and waxes eloquent, so much so that the daughters now want to go with her to seek the King! (See 5:10-6:1) Suddenly, she remembers where her Beloved has been all along (in the garden!) and reminds herself of her relationship with her Beloved. 6:2-3 My Beloved is gone down into His garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies. I am my Beloved's, and my Beloved is mine: He feedeth among the lilies.

Sometimes a bit of affliction is what we need to get out there and be the witnesses we are commanded to be. Acts 8:4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

There is a great world out there, filled with a great harvest if we will just get busy and work in the fields. Strap your armour on and let's go!

Matthew 9:36-38 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith He unto His disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest.

When Jesus calls, looking for someone to go for Him to speak to the lost, I pray that you (and I) will reply as Isaiah the prophet replied in Isaiah 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

If you want to be an overcomer, put on those Gospel Shoes.
If you want daily victory in your life, then go.

Tell the Lord, Here am I.
Is your armour on?

Study written June 11th, 2002
By Jerry Bouey

If this study kindled your heart, you may also appreciate this song:

The Altar Is Empty

The altar is empty -
The sacrifice has walked away.
The heart's gone cold -
Where's the willingness to pray?
Something is wrong, it shouldn't be,
No peace within, convicting me!

Chorus:
Kindle my heart, stir into a flame.
Restore my soul, as I call on Your name.
Oh Lord above, grant me the grace
To deny myself and put Your will in its place.

The altar is empty -
There are no prayers offered today.
The heart's lukewarm -
Where's the desire to pray?
The field is white, but no reaping done,
No hearts breaking, pleading for God's Son.

Chorus

The field is empty -
Where are the labourers today?
Those faithful servants
Standing in the gap to pray.
Oh hear God's voice, His Spirit's call;
Repent, you watchmen, upon the wall.

2nd Chorus:
Quicken my heart, in Jesus' name,
Cleanse me from my sin - bring to life again.
Send me, oh Lord, and I will go -
Go and tell the world Jesus loves them so.

July 29th, 2004
Jerry Bouey

Other studies on this theme:
The Armour of God
The Armour Of Light

A Type Pictured In Revelation Four

A Type Pictured In Revelation Four

Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John.

Webster's 1828 Dictionary states that to signify means "To make known something, either by signs or words."

1) Christ Co-reigning With His Father:

Revelation 4:1-3  After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

After the church age ends, the Apostle John is caught up to Heaven (as a picture of the rapture), and sees the throne room where the Father is sitting. As he is observing the events unfolding, he sees the Lamb of God taking the book from the Father on His throne.

Revelation 5:1, 6-7  And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals... And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

Chapter five unfolds how only the Lord Jesus Christ is worthy - as the Kinsman Redeemer who paid the full price necessary - to open the book and reclaim the earth, which man had lost due to Adam's fall into sin. This is a worthwhile study in itself, but I want to take a look instead at what is pictured in chapter four.

Revelation 4:2-3 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

Even though it is the Father on the throne (from the overall context of chapters 4-5), we can see something pictured here in a type, which actually fits with the statement Jesus made in chapter 3 - just a few verses before:

Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

This is not the promise for the faithful true believer to rule and reign with Christ (as seen in Revelation 2:26-27), but it a declaration that all true believers in the church age will share an inheritance with Jesus Christ, share in the authority He has to rule with His Father. We are seated with Christ in heavenly places.

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Ephesians 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

What we see taught clearly in several places in the New Testament is now pictured in type in Revelation four. Jesus shares and is identified with the Father on His throne before Jesus actually begins to reign from His own throne in Jerusalem (His Millennial reign happens after the Tribulation period and is recorded in Revelation 20:4-6). He will rule on His own throne for 1000 years, but then the throne will go back to the Father, as noted in the following passages:

1 Corinthians 15:24-28 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

Revelation 22:1, 3 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb... And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

The throne of the universe is currently ruled by both the Father and the Son.  In the Millennium, Jesus will rule from His own throne, but in eternity there will only be one throne again (it does not say thrones, but throne).

It is similar in principle to Daniel being offered the ability to co-reign with Belshazzar. In this way, they would both in effect share the same throne (ie. Daniel would have authority to reign with Belshazzar on his throne):

Daniel 5:16  And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom. 

Belshazzar’s father was Nabonidus, son in law to Nebuchadnezzar. During the time of this event, Nabonidus was travelling outside of Babylon and had placed Belshazzar on the throne as a co-ruler. This makes sense in light of his offer to make Daniel the third ruler of the kingdom if Daniel could help him; though we know that the king of Babylon lost his throne and his life that very night and the offered promise to Daniel was never carried out.

2) The Meaning Of The Stones In Revelation Four:

Revelations 4:2-3 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And He that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

What is the significance of the stones mentioned in verse 3? To answer that we need to look at the breastplate of the High Priest in Exodus 28.

Exodus 28:15-21, 29  And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it. Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof. And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings. And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes... And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually.

The High Priest had twelve stones on his breastplate, representing each of the twelve sons of Jacob (ie. the 12 tribes of Israel). These stones are placed on the breastplate according to the order of the birth of Jacob's children, as listed in Genesis 29 on.

Exodus 28:9-10 And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel: Six of their names on one stone, and the other six names of the rest on the other stone, according to their birth.

Exodus 39:10-14 And they set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this was the first row. And the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. And the third row, a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: they were inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings. And the stones were according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet, every one with his name, according to the twelve tribes.

From the passages above, we can see all twelve children portrayed by their birth order. The specific stones mentioned in Revelation 4:3 are a jasper, a sardine stone (same as sardius), and an emerald, which we can see in Exodus 28:17-20 are the first, the fourth, and the twelfth stones respectively. If we go to Genesis 29, and onwards, we will find the birth of all twelve of Jacob's sons. They are listed as follows:

1. Reuben - Genesis 29:32 - represented by a sardius stone
2. Simeon - Genesis 29:33
3. Levi - Genesis 29:34
4. Judah - Genesis 29:35 - represented by an emerald
5. Dan - Genesis 30:6
6. Naphtali - Genesis 30:8
7. Gad - Genesis 30:11
8. Asher - Genesis 30:13
9. Issachar - Genesis 30:18
10. Zebulun - Genesis 30:20
11. Joseph - Genesis 30:24
12. Benjamin - Genesis 35:18 - represented by a jasper stone

The first, fourth, and twelfth stones represent Reuben, Judah, and Benjamin. Reuben's name means "Behold, A Son." Judah means "Praise, or Praise of Jehovah (the LORD)." The last (12th) son was named Ben-oni (meaning "Son of My Sorrow"), but was afterwards changed to Benjamin (meaning "Son of My Right Hand").

3) The Type Pictured In Revelation Four:

Who sat upon the throne? In chapters four and five, it is clearly God the Father on the throne - but Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, is pictured there in type, sharing the throne.

Revelation 4:3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. 

Now look again at the three stones mentioned. Which stone is mentioned first? A jasper stone, which represents Benjamin - "The Son of My Sorrow." This was what Jesus was known by when He was on earth (a Man of Sorrows - see Isaiah 53:3). Though now He is exalted and is at the right hand of the Father - "The Son of My Right Hand." Next, we see a sardius stone, representing Reuben, and refers to Christ's second coming - "Behold, a Son." Isaiah 9:6 says, For unto us a child is born (Christ's first coming), unto us a Son is given (His second coming). What color is the rainbow around the throne - around the King? Emerald, the fourth stone - representing Judah, "The Praise of the LORD." We know this was the line the Messiah came through - the kingly line.

Notice the rainbow (signifying mercy in judgement) completely encircling the throne. See Genesis 9:8-17. Even in this end-time period of worldwide judgement which is soon to unfold, the Lord God will have mercy on those who repent and turn to Him during those seven years. Habakkuk 3:2 O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

4) Further Comments From Several Writers On Revelation 4:3:

The following quote is from H. A. Ironside's commentary on Revelation:

Remembering that many of the first readers of the Revelation were converted Jews, we might ask, What would these stones suggest to them? Surely every instructed Hebrew would instantly recall that they were the first and last stones in the breastplate of the high priest (Exod. 28:17-20). As these stones bore the names of the tribes of Israel, arranged according to the births of the twelve patriarchs, the one would suggest at once the name Reuben, "Behold a Son," and the other Benjamin, "Son of my right hand." It is Christ enthroned, the Son about to reign in power who is before the Seer's vision. Round about the throne a rainbow, like an emerald, the stone of Judah ("praise") is seen, suggesting the perpetuity of the Noahic covenant, and God's unchanging goodness, despite all of man's failure, folly, and wickedness.

The following is from Oliver B. Greene's commentary on Revelation:

In the fourth chapter of Revelation, Jesus is described as a Jasper and a Sardine stone. The Jasper stone was clear - clear as crystal. The Sardine (or Sardius) was blood-red . . . the Bloody stone.

In Exodus 28, we read of these stones on the breastplate of the high priest. The Sardius. (the blood-red) stone having to do with Reuben is mentioned first, and the Jasper stone last. Revelation 4 speaks first of the Jasper stone - the clear white stone of Benjamin. This is not to be taken lightly. There is a definite reason for reversing of the stones, putting the first last, and the last first.

The Sardius was blood-red, speaking of the sacrifice of blood, pointing to the Cross and the first coming of Jesus to shed His blood for the remission of sin. The name is derived from two Hebrew words meaning “behold the Son.” It pointed to the Person of whom John the Baptist said, “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). It also tells us that He (the Lord Jesus) was the first born of every creature, and the first begotten - the ONLY begotten - Son of God (John 3:16).

The Jasper, the last stone in the Old Testament breastplate, represented Benjamin. This was a clear stone, speaking of total victory. On the Jasper stone was Benjamin’s name, which is a combination of two Hebrew words (ben and jamin), so scholars tell us, meaning “the son of my right hand” . . . or, as one authority puts it, “the son of my power.” The first and the last stones pointed forward to the first and second coming of the Great High Priest - none other than the Lord Jesus Christ.

However, here in Revelation 4, the order of the stones is reversed. John the Beloved sees Him (Jesus) first as the Jasper, and second as the Sardius. The reason is clear: In the Old Testament the saints looked forward to the day when the Lamb would come. They looked forward to the cross, and therefore saw the Sardius . . . the Blood-red stone . . . first. They looked beyond that and saw the Jasper, the clear white stone representing His power and His rule at His second coming to set up the kingdom. However, when John had the experience we are now studying, he was on this side of Calvary and the Rapture, and was looking back. John saw, first of all, the Jasper stone, the clear one - and then the red stone, the Cross and sacrifice.

From John Phillips commentary, Exploring Revelation:

Put the jasper and the sardius stones together, and they suggest the humanity connected to the government of God. The high priest of Israel was commanded to wear a breastplate studded with twelve precious stones engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel (Ex. 28:17, 20). Thus, symbolically the people were ever to be upon his heart, the place of affection and love. The first and last of these stones was the jasper and the sardius. The mention of the jasper and the sardius in connection with the throne of God is a beautiful reminder that although there is an element of hardness and holiness inevitable in the judgment of God, those qualities, fearful in themselves, are not divorced from humanity. The One to whom all judgment will be given is Himself both God and man (John 5:22, 27).

One final comment on Revelation 4:3, and on the High Priest's breastplate which was placed over the High Priest's heart:

It is interesting to note that the rainbow encircling the throne is in colour like an emerald. Yes, it certainly brings us back to Genesis 9 - and in wrath, God is remembering His mercy. The other stone colours point to Christ, and the emerald here also points to the Messiah from the tribe of Judah, who already paid the price for the sins of the world and bore God's wrath in the believer's place. Thus indicating even in the midst of all the judgements being poured out upon the earth, the Father remembers His Son who died for our sins and He will have mercy on all those who repent and turn to the Saviour even in the darkest time in earth's history.

Truly the Lion of the tribe of Judah is worthy to reign!

Revelation 5:5-10 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Oh, come soon, Lord Jesus!

January 22nd, 2025

Jerry Bouey

A Peculiar Treasure

A Peculiar Treasure

One of the five crowns that we can earn as rewards in the Christian life is the crown of rejoicing. These are the people that we have won to the Lord by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them. While this reward may also be physical (ie. a literal crown we earn in service to the Lord) - these crowns are also the people we had a part in the salvation of, part of the people we will spend eternity with.

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.

Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

In eternity, we will forever be rejoicing in these loved ones. But did you know that the Lord Jesus Christ also rejoices in those He has saved, and we become His crown, and we also become jewels in His crown. Both descriptions are used of us.

Malachi 3:16-17  Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

Isaiah 62:3 Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.

Zechariah 9:16 And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land.

The people of God - whether in the Old Testament (ie. the nation of Israel), or in the New Testament (ie. the Bride of Christ, the church) - are God's peculiar treasure, a treasure He has made His own.

Exodus 19:3-6 And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

1 Peter 2:9-10 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 

In Exodus, Israel is declared to be God's peculiar treasure, and in 1 Peter, the church is called His peculiar people. The passage in 1 Peter basically applies the same terms to us today that God used for Israel. (In eternity, the people of God will be one.)

Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines peculiar as:

One's own property. Appropriate; belonging to a person and to him only. Exclusive property; that which belongs to a person in exclusion of others.

Consider the following parable on the kingdom of Heaven:

Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

According to Matthew 13:38, the field is the world. The Lord Jesus Christ found a treasure in this world and for joy went and bought that field (see Hebrews 12:2), and therefore purchased that treasure and made it His very own.

Just like the nation of Israel, we are God's peculiar treasure and God's peculiar people that the Lord Jesus Christ paid everything for.

Adam sinned and lost his dominion over the earth. Jesus Christ, the Second Adam, is the Kinsman Redeemer that paid the price to buy back what was lost through sin. The book of Revelation is about opening the book with seven seals. That book is the title deed to the earth. Only the Saviour Himself has paid the price to claim this world as His own.

Revelation 5:1-10 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

It is important to note that God loves Israel and loves the church because He is love, not because of anything we have done. See 1 John 4:8, 16. In fact, the Lord Himself says this about Israel:

Deuteronomy 7:6-8 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

We could say the same about all God's people throughout history - whether Israel, the church, or other Gentiles who were saved in the Old Testament - in the eyes of the world, none of us could ever be worthy. The Lord Jesus Christ did not go to the cross and die for us because of any value this world puts on us - but because of the value He set upon us.

Romans 5:6-8 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 

When we were at our worst, the Lord Jesus Christ gave His best for us - shed His precious, sinless blood for our sins. While we could never be worthy in the eyes of the world, the love of God is what gives us worth in His sight. His love makes us worthy.

Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Psalm 45:11 So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.

Any beauty we have is only because we are in Him - yet God Himself delights in the changes wrought in us through His Holy Spirit.

This is so eloquently expressed by Matthew Henry in his comments on Song of Solomon 4:

The great delight Christ takes in his church and in all believers. He delights in them, As in an agreeable bride, adorned for her husband (Revelation 21:2), who greatly desires her beauty, Psalm 45:11. No expressions of love can be more passionate than these here, in which Christ manifests his affection to his church; and yet that great proof of his love, his dying for it, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, goes far beyond them all. A spouse so dearly bought and paid for could not but be dearly loved. Such a price being given for her, a high value must needs be put upon her accordingly; and both together may well set us a wondering at the height and depth, and length and breadth, of the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge, that love in which he gave himself for us and gives himself to us.

Observe, (1.) How he is affected towards his spouse: Thou hast ravished my heart; the word is used only here. Thou hast hearted me, or Thou has unhearted me. New words are coined to express the inexpressibleness of Christ's surprising love to his church; and the strength of that love is set forth by that which is a weakness in men, the being so much in love with one object as to be heartless to every thing else. This may refer to that love which Christ had to the chosen remnant, before the worlds were, when his delights were with the sons of men (Proverbs 8:31), that first love, which brought him from heaven to earth, to seek and save them at such vast expense, yet including the complacency he takes in them when he has brought them to himself. Note, Christ's heart is upon his church; so it has appeared all along. His treasure is in it; it is his peculiar treasure (Exodus 19:5); and therefore there his heart is also. "Never was love like unto the love of Christ, which made him even mindless of himself, when he emptied himself of his glory, and despised all shame and pain, for our sakes. The wound of love towards us, which he had from eternity in himself, made him neglect all the wounds and reproaches of the cross;" so Bishop Reynolds. Thus let us love him. (2.) What it is that thus affects him with delight.

[1.] The regard she has to him: Thou hast ravished my heart with one of thy eyes, those doves' eyes, clear and chaste (which were commended, Song of Solomon 4:1), with one glance of those eyes. Christ is wonderfully pleased with those that look unto him as their Saviour, and through the eye of faith dart their affections to him, above any rival whatsoever, and whose eyes are ever towards him; he is soon aware of the first look of a soul towards him and meets it with his favours.

[2.] The ornaments she has from him, that is, the obedience she yields to him, for that is the chain of her neck, the graces that enrich her soul, which are connected as links in chain, the exercise of these graces in a conversation which adorns both herself and the doctrine of Jesus Christ, which she professes to believe (as a gold chain is an ornament to persons of quality), and an entire submission to the commanding power of his love... She had said of Christ's love, It is better than wine (Song of Solomon 1:2), and now Christ says so of hers...

[4.] The ointments, the odours wherewith she is perfumed, the gifts and graces of the Spirit, her good works, which are an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God, Philippians 4:18. The smell of thy ointment is better than all spices... Love and obedience to God are more pleasing to Christ than sacrifice or incense. The smell of her garments too, the visible profession she makes of religion, and relation to Christ, before men, and wherein she appears to the world, this is very grateful to Christ, as the smell of Lebanon. Christ having put upon his spouse the white raiment of his own righteousness (Revelation 3:18), and the righteousness of saints (Revelation 19:8), and this perfumed with holy joy and comfort, he is well pleased with it.

[5] Her words, both in her devotion to God and her discourses with men (Song of Solomon 4:11): Thy lips O my spouse! drop as the honeycomb, drop that which is very sweet, and drop it freely and plentifully. If what God speaks to us be sweeter to us than the honey and the honeycomb (Psalm 19:10), what we say to him in prayer and praise shall also be pleasing to him: Sweet is thy voice. And if out of a good treasure in the heart we bring forth good things, if our speech be always with grace, if our lips use knowledge aright, if they disperse knowledge, they then, in Christ's account, even drop the honeycomb, out-drop it. Honey and milk (the two staple commodities of Canaan) are under thy tongue; that is, in thy heart, not only reserved there for thy own use as a sweet morsel for thyself, but ready there for the use of others. In the word of God there is sweet and wholesome nourishment, milk for babes, honey for those that are grown up. Christ is well-pleased with those that are full of his word.

The Lord God praises in us the work He Himself did in and through us. He transformed us, made us beautiful in His sight, and is pleased by the eternal transformation.

Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Song of Solomon 4:7 Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.

Psalm 45:13 The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.

Consider one more parable of the kingdom of Heaven:

Matthew 13:45-46  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Again, we see the Lord Jesus Christ giving all He had to buy that one pearl of great price.

How is a pearl made? A grain of sand or some other irritant gets inside the oyster shell and injures the oyster. The oyster then basically sheds its blood (nacre, mother of pearl) to coat the irritant. Over time this mother of pearl coating transforms what had once hurt the pearl into a valuable treasure, worth so much more than it ever was before.

We are that pearl of great price. Jesus Christ bought the church with His precious blood:

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

1 Peter 1:18-19  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 

The grain of sand that once injured the oyster was transformed into a beautiful pearl. The people of God - whose sins once crucified the Saviour - are now transformed into a beautiful treasure in His sight.

Yes, we were once a people that had hurt Him by our sins, injured and crucified Him, wandered and rebelled against Him - BUT NOW are transformed into vessels of mercy, into beautiful treasures in the eyes of the only one that truly matters - we are changed by the touch of the Master's hands, molded by the hands of the Heavenly Potter.

Isaiah 64:8 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

Jeremiah 18:2-6 Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

Even though our past may have broken us, even perhaps shattered us into pieces in the eyes of the world, when we come to the Lord Jesus Christ by faith, He remakes our vessels into a work of honour - a work He can take great pleasure and satisfaction in. (See Revelation 4:11.)

2 Timothy 2:19-21 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

We are His peculiar people - yeah, His peculiar treasure, if you will.

Psalm 68:13 Though ye have lien among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.

January 3rd, 2025
Jerry Bouey