
January 28, 2025
" Then he said to his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” So they saddled the donkey for him; and he rode on it, and went after the man of God, and found him sitting under an oak. Then he said to him, “Are you the man of God who came from Judah?"
- 1 Kings 13:13-14 (NKJV)
God introduced the Sabbath as a concept signifying rest after work has been completed (Gensis 2:1-3, Exodus 20:11). Rest is a time to refrain from work, often to rejuvenate, relax, replenish, or re-strategize. it also signifies peace on every side with no adversaries to contend with (1Kings 5:4). Another definition of rest is the possession of God’s promise as seen in Joshua 1:12-15.
While rest is a divine principle, there exist a contrary concept: unlawful rest. Unlawful rest is resting before completing our work or God given assignments. As believers, we are all on divine assignments, and resting prematurely violates the true purpose and timing of rest.
In 1 Kings 13, God had commanded a young prophet from Judah to prophesy against the altar in Bethel (verse 1 - 7) He was giving specific instructions not to eat, drink or return the same way he came (verse 8-10). However, an old prophet from Bethel found him resting under an oak (verse 14). This rest became the setting for deception, as the old prophet lied to him (vs 18), leading him to disobey God’s instructions (verse 19) which ultimately cost him his life (verse 24).
Similarly, David found himself in trouble when He took a rest from his responsibilities as king. In 2 Samuel 11:1-2, instead of leading his army to battle as was customary for kings at that time of the year, He remained in Jerusalem and this decision led to a series of tragic events.
To rest unlawfully is to fall short of His purpose and timing.
In contrast, Jesus provides a perfect example of completing assignments. Fully aware of His mission, He predicted His end in Luke 18:31-33 and proceeded toward its fulfilment in Luke 19:28. It was not until John 19:30 that He declared “it is finished” giving up His Spirit.
We are all on assignments regardless of our roles in life, whether as men, husbands, fathers, sons, women, wives, mothers, daughters, employees, employers, students, career professionals, businessmen or businesswomen, government officials, church leaders or any other role, we are called to labor until our God-given assignments are complete.
The Bible encourages us all in Hebrews 4:11a “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest”.
We must not give up or let down until we have completed what God has called us to do. To rest unlawfully is to fall short of His purpose and timing.
Song of Worship
Work, for the night is coming:
Work through the morning hours;
Work while the dew is sparkling:
Work mid springing flowers;
Work when the day grows brighter;
Work in the glowing sun;
Work, for the night is coming,
When man's work is done
Prayer - Dear Lord, help me to realise what my divine assignment is. In any way I may have taken a rest or relented from it, give me strength and grace anew to complete my assignment In Jesus’ name. Amen.