7-28-12 The Promised Rest

God’s people yet shall take possession Of that sweet land of rest so bright;
Rejoice! From bondage and oppression, From service in this earthly night,
Soon Christ will come and will relieve you; Your tears will cease, and joy He’ll give you.
Your pains and burdens He’ll remove, Will ease you of distress and sorrow,
And on that bright and better morrow Will bring you to that rest above.

But only if we have been faithful, Have shunned no cross nor yet contempt,
So shall we to that sweet and grateful Repose and rest in heav’n be sent.
Then let us watch and pray sincerely And realize our duty clearly,
As each and ev’ry one should do. So do not waste your time in sleeping,
And finally come short of reaping This rest in heav’n prepared for you.

Ye who are not God’s chosen people, Look back to Israel of old!
From their example take a teaching And cling to God with heart and soul!
Without complaint and lamentation Bear ye distress and earth’s privation;
Rely upon your Saviour’s hand. Your tears will change to joyful singing;
From desert wild your God is bringing You to that fair and promised land.
Zion’s Harp # 211
We sang this song this morning, and it’s a difficult song to sing. It has very meaningful words, but it’s hard to think on the words when the music is difficult. So while we were singing it, I was thinking about the title alone – The Promised Rest. After the last two weeks of breakneck pace, it was a blessing to sit and rest.  I appreciated when our minister spoke more about the words of the song which actually are about the eternal rest of heaven. He then turned to Hebrews 4, and we read more about entering into God’s rest. What a loving call to the unsaved – a call to this rest which is only possible through salvation through the blood of Jesus. With three baptisms after regular services, it was a special day - - - made more so by another convert, another soul who turned his back on sin and is seeking Victory In Jesus!
Oh yes we’re thankful for every one who seeks the Lord in true repentance - - but then again we’re always wanting more - - God is always wanting more - - He is Seeking The Lost right now - - -
To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Hebrews 4:7