Rest in the Lord
To experience true rest and power, we must first cease from our own works and enter into the Lord's rest.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of resting in the Lord, contrasting the old creation's work-first approach with the new creation's call to first enter into God's rest before engaging in labor. He illustrates this with the image of a sailing craft that glides effortlessly over the waters, highlighting the necessity of a steady hand at the helm to maintain direction and power. Simpson encourages believers to cease from their own works and trust in God, as true rest and effectiveness in labor come from a heart that is anchored in Him. He reminds us that while we must actively seek to enter His rest, the ultimate keeping of our peace is the Lord's responsibility. Thus, we are called to labor to abide in His rest, where we find strength and purpose.
Text
In the old creation, the week began with work and ended with Sabbath rest. The resurrection week begins with the first day-first rest, then labor. So we must first cease from our own works as God did from His, and enter into His rest. And then, with rested hearts, we will work His works with effectual power. But why labor to enter into rest? See that sailing craft-how restfully it glides over the waters, its canvas swelling with the wind and borne without an effort! And yet, look at that man at the helm. See how firmly he holds the rudder, bearing against the wind, and holding her steady to her position.
Let him for a moment relax his steady hold and the vessel will fall listlessly along the wind.
The sails will flap, the waves will toss the craft at their will, and all rest and power will have gone. It is the fixed helm that brings the steadying power of the wind. And so He has said, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee (Isaiah 26:3). The steady will and stayed heart are ours. The keeping is the Lord's. So let us labor to enter and abide in His rest.
Sermon Outline
- The Old Creation vs. The New Creation
- The week began with work and ended with Sabbath rest
- The resurrection week begins with the first day-first rest, then labor
Key Quotes
“It is the fixed helm that brings the steadying power of the wind.” — A.B. Simpson
“The steady will and stayed heart are ours. The keeping is the Lord's.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We must labor to enter and abide in the Lord's rest to experience His power.
- A steady will and stayed heart are essential for trusting in the Lord and experiencing perfect peace.
- We must not relax our hold on the Lord, but instead, firmly hold the rudder to maintain our position in Him.