The Gospel of Rest- the Freedom to Work
by Heather | September 27, 2011 8:00 am
These words from Horatius Bonar speak volumes themselves, so I am going to just let them…
The gospel does not command us to do anything in order to obtain life, but bids us live by that which another has done; and the knowledge of its life-giving truth is not labour but rest – rest of soul – rest which is the root of all true labour; for in receiving Christ we do not work in order to rest, but we rest in order to work. In believing, we cease to work for pardon, in order that we may work from it; and what incentive to work, as well may work from it; and what incentive to work, as well as joy in working, can be greater than an ascertained and realized forgiveness?
Are you living out of what Jesus has done for you? Or what Jesus has done for you + what you can do for yourself? I have been living the latter – it’s a horrendous cycle I find myself in time and time again. I know the Gospel, I know that how I was saved is how I am to walk – nothing of me, all of Jesus – by faith…and repentance…and faith…and repentance…. As I look only to Jesus in faith, and nothing of myself – not my lists, not my “responsibilities”, not my reputation, or fear of damaging my reputation, I am finding freedom in my heart and soul – my breathing is lighter, my nerves are not so edgy, and I am doing things that felt like burdens, with joy and peace – almost without thinking. The outside might not look much different (although I am sure my countenance does), but inside is less weighty. I can’t…I can’t…but He can through me…and even without my help.
I like this place. Too bad I’m going to take it all back again tomorrow. Or by lunch today even. Yep…I ‘m sure I will. It’s what I do.
Day by day…minute by minute…moment by moment…I dance the dance…faith…repentance…faith…repentance…repentance…faith…my Jesus…He does love me.
I live out of His love.
Source URL: http://www.amarthaheart.com/2011/09/27/the-gospel-of-rest-the-freedom-to-work/