Final Rest Part I
Jos 24:32 And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.
The bones of Joseph were to see no rest until the children of Israel arrived and rested at the land of promise. There is a difference between death and rest, between sleeping and rest, between peace and rest. Rest does not just mean quietness… because there is a quietness that can be disguised trouble. Rest refers to a final state of quiet bliss.
Rev 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
The key thing in God’s rest is not that is no pain, but there is no more pain …meaning pain is banished forever. Sorrow is banished forever …tears are banished forever and all former things will never again be brought up again. All the saints wait for this rest and until we all come up on the appointed day, this rest will still be a place that we see ahead and wait for. The bones of Joseph waited hundreds of years to enter this rest – which is a shadow of the divine rest that we are all awaiting.
Note that Joseph knew about the rest, he made preparations towards it – gave instructions that puzzled others concerning it. He spoke of that rest as though he were absolutely certain it would happen. Joseph believed that he would find that rest centuries later in a land he did not see …likewise we can believe in the eternal rest it foreshadows.
Christ spoke of the eternal rest – when he said …John 14:2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Christ also paid the full price for the rest. Christ is God and we can believe him. Today, many saints are no more sure about Heaven. If they are not sure, how can they make any arrangements to be there? The old saints spoke of Heaven as if it were a place they were so certain they would one day go. Today’s culture makes jest of Heaven …even many saints are uncertain and some preachers doubt. The devil knows that doubters will not make arrangements. If Joseph doubted Jacob, many years after – he would have not have given instructions to be carried out. His doubts would have told him, this was pointless. Be sure there is an eternity worth making plans for.
Song.
It’s a highway to Heaven. None can walk up there – But the pure in heart.
It’s a highway to Heaven. I am walking up the King’s Highway.
Prayer : Father, put my feet on the journey to Heaven – the King’s Highway. Amen.
The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa
