Have you ever found yourself thinking, "If only I had more time, then I could finally rest"? Or maybe, "If only I had more money, then I wouldn't have to work so hard"? You're not alone. Many of us struggle with finding true rest in our busy, chaotic lives. But what if I told you that true rest isn't about having more time or money? It's about something much deeper.
In our recent sermon, we explored Zechariah 3, a passage that offers profound insights into why we can find rest in the Lord. This often-overlooked chapter in the Old Testament provides a powerful message about God's forgiveness and our need to remember who our true judge is. Let's dive into the main point of the sermon and discover how you can find true rest in your life.
The Main Point: Remember Who Your Judge Is
The central message of the sermon is that true rest comes from remembering who our judge is—God. When we place other people or things in the position of our judge, we find ourselves constantly rushing around, trying to please them. This leads to a restless, anxious life. But when we remember that God is our judge, we can find peace and rest, knowing that He has forgiven us and declared us clean.
Why This Matters
You might wonder, "Why should I care about who my judge is?" The answer is simple: it affects your entire life. When you place your trust in God as your judge, you no longer have to worry about pleasing everyone else. You can find rest in His forgiveness and love. This shift in perspective can transform your life, bringing you peace and rest even in the midst of chaos.
What You Can Do
So, how can you apply this message to your life? Here are some concrete steps you can take:
Reflect on Who Your Judge Is: Take some time to think about who you are trying to please in your life. Is it your boss, your family, or your friends? Remind yourself that God is your true judge and that His opinion is the one that truly matters.
Seek God's Forgiveness: If you find yourself feeling guilty or ashamed, remember that God has already forgiven you through Jesus' sacrifice. Take a moment to pray and ask for His forgiveness, and then let go of your guilt.
Eliminate Hurry from Your Life: As Dallas Willard advised, "Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life." This means prioritizing your time with God and making space for rest. Consider setting aside specific times each day for prayer and reflection.
Trust in God's Plan: Just like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego trusted God even in the face of death, trust that God has a plan for your life. Even when things seem chaotic, remember that He is in control and that you can find rest in His promises.
Conclusion
The point is, true rest comes from remembering who your judge is and trusting in God's forgiveness and love. What will you do this week to remind yourself that God is your judge? How can you eliminate hurry from your life and find rest in His presence?
Without taking these steps, you'll miss out on the peace and rest that God wants for you. So, take a moment today to reflect, seek forgiveness, and trust in His plan.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being our true judge and for forgiving us through Jesus' sacrifice. Help us to remember that Your opinion is the one that truly matters. Give us the strength to eliminate hurry from our lives and to find rest in Your presence. Guide us as we trust in Your plan and seek to live in peace and rest. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.