THE GOAL OF REST IS A FRUITFUL LIFE
The goal of rest is not inactivity or leisure, but fruitfulness.
In the Genesis account of creation, God rested on the seventh day. As Adam and Eve were created on the sixth day, their first day was also a day of rest; a day when they entered into the finished work of the Creator. We can imagine their delight in exploring the amazing provision which had been made for them. Out of that rest, and in partnership with God, they were commissioned to develop what they had been given, to be fruitful and exercise delegated authority. |
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Of course, we know how that particular chapter ended; but as we have seen in the Foundations section of this website, it wasn’t the end of the story—God had a plan of redemption ready to unroll.
Through Jesus Christ, we too are invited into the finished work of the Father—into His total provision for all of our needs—past, present, and future. It is this provision which produces in us a profound rest. |
FOUNDATIONS FOR BIBLICAL REST introduces this wonderful provision. (It would take a lifetime of books to record all that He has for us!) If you haven’t already done so, please read it first—for this section builds on the foundation laid there.
THE RIVER OF LIFE
Out of God’s provision, through the Lord Jesus, He invites us to be co-workers with Him in bringing His Rule, (that is, His Kingdom), to earth; and to live lives which overflow with fruitfulness. Kingdom fruitfulness is about seeing God’s will being worked out in how we live our lives. The abundance which we enjoy is to be shared; we are charged with releasing His Kingdom of Love on the earth [Matthew 24:14; 28:18].
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However, a fruitful life not only has to start in rest—it also has to continue in rest. Walking in God’s provision means ceasing from our own efforts (or ‘works’), and allowing His Spirit to work in us and through us instead.
Many Christians go to the Cross initially, aware of their own weakness, and need for a Saviour, but after conversion, feel they have to work to retain God’s blessing and favour. And they end up with a Christian life which is full of striving, self-effort, and rules and requirements. Many times this is exacerbated by other believers, who, with the very best of motives, apply pressure to conform to an expected way of doing things. It is not meant to be this way! Kingdom Life is not about trying hard, not about labouring to make something happen, or about squeezing out good works by our own efforts. It’s about allowing a river to flow.
He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.
[John 7:38 NASB] |
It is impossible to live the Christian life in our own strength—we need supernatural power to do it—and that is just what we have got! Through Jesus, we have an open door to living in the presence of God, and from that position to allow His life to flow through us—naturally supernatural.
Yes, there is a place for self-discipline; but even this is an inside job!
For it is God who works in you to will and to do in order to fulfil his good purpose.
[Philippians 2: 13]
[Philippians 2: 13]
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Kingdom fruitfulness is about getting in the flow of the Spirit. Drummers talk of that sweet spot, of getting ‘in the groove’, when the rhythm starts to flood their senses; so it is with us—Kingdom Living is about hearing and responding with our whole being to the ‘music of Heaven’.
We don’t see fruit trees straining and struggling to produce fruit. Fruit is the natural consequence of life flowing through them; a life that is nurtured by the water, sunshine and nutrients they need. So it is with us. It’s time to let life overflow. |
A fruitful life not only has to start in rest—it also has to continue in rest. Walking in God’s provision means ceasing from our own efforts (or ‘works’), and allowing His Spirit to work in us and through us instead. www.rhythmsofgrace/kingdom-living/being-fruitful Click to Tweet |
So fruitfulness and Kingdom living is not about more things we have to do, but a personal invitation from our Heavenly Father to partner with Him in releasing His Kingdom in our spheres of influence. The River of Life in us is to overflow to the world around us—the Kingdom of God is to be loosed in the commonplace, in the ordinary stuff of life.
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Meditate on these verses:
Download the PDF for printing:
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You will find more on how to live a fruitful life in:
*RHYTHMS OF GRACE
HEAR & RESPOND to the voice of God:
Turn your heart towards the Lord, and take time to listen. Fruitfulness is a gift, not a demand—and it’s good news!
Meditate on the Scriptures above.
*For more information on how the term ‘rhythms of grace’ is used on this website, please see the INTRODUCTION TO RHYTHMS OF GRACE: A JOURNEY INTO REST AND PEACE.
For it is God who works in you to will and to do
in order to fulfil his good purpose.
[Philippians 2: 13]
in order to fulfil his good purpose.
[Philippians 2: 13]
RHYTHMS OF GRACE: A JOURNEY INTO REST
[Photo credits: Nacho Dominguez Argenta (grapes); Tim Peterson (water); Arunas Naujokas (apples); Arjun Kapoor (pomegranate)@ Unsplash, with thanks]