Guardians of Light

And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. (Jude 1:6)

There are many false teachings in our day that tell people they can do all sorts of things in rebellion to what God’s Word clearly teaches, yet still live in God’s blessing. When people teach such things, it is as if they are lifting themselves to a level of revelation or spirituality that is above God, as if they know better than God Himself on matters. Changing the Word of God, going against its precepts, or dismissing its truths will always have terrible consequences.

That’s exactly what the angels did who fell away from serving God. In pride, they decided they knew better than God, or they would do a better job of being God. Discontent with the position they held, these angels sought more honor, more status, and more celebrity than they currently had. This rebellion against God’s way, spearheaded by Lucifer, led a third of heaven into utter and complete disobedience.

It is crucial for believers to understand the gravity of rebellion against God. Angels lost their positions in Heaven and entered the earthly realm. Jude warned us against rebellion and let us know we should examine our hearts and our desire to follow God's Word.

Practical Application

Don’t act like you know better than God. As the angels had a purpose to glorify God and help Him in His plan, we are called to be guardians of God’s way of doing things and glorifying Him in every aspect of our lives. When people try to say that God’s Word is outdated or that their revelation of truth is greater than His, refuse to listen or follow their leading; it is sure to bring destruction.

2 Peter 2:4; Matthew 25:41

Rest or Refusal

For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: (Hebrews 4:3-6)

God has a purpose for rest. In fact, Hebrews 4:3-6 tells us the rest God wants for us is connected to the rest He took on the seventh day of creation. But God’s rest is not taking a nap or sleeping in one day until noon. God’s rest is shalom; it’s where nothing is missing, nothing is broken, and the cares and stresses of this world no longer hold you or linger over you. God was not stressed or anxious on the seventh day, neither did He see anything else was needed, because it was all fulfilled. It was all good.

However, those who do not walk in faith, those who do not believe or trust God, cannot enter that form of rest. Instead, they strive, they worry, and they are missing things they need to fulfill God’s will for their lives.

The problem is that most believers only see Jesus as Lord of their spiritual life, the person they pray to, the person they read about in the Bible, and refuse to allow Him to be Lord of their everyday decisions, direction, words, and actions. The term Lord is unveiled as the Highest Authority, the Supreme Instructor, and the Provider. For us, this Lordship means complete surrender, where His words and His way lead and guide everything in our lives. When we live that way, we can truly enter the rest that God has set for us.

Practical Application

Have you been worrying a lot? Stressing about how certain things are going to be done? Maybe there are areas you haven’t given over to His Lordship. Ask God about what you’re facing. Get His view of things; then you will be able to rest. Listen to His voice, follow His Word and rest in Him.

Hebrews 4:9; Matthew 21:43

Add Faith to the Mix

Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. (Hebrews 4:1-2)

Let us fear? It’s an interesting beginning to this chapter of faith, isn’t it? This call to fear isn't a trembling dread, but a profound respect for the promises of God. It's a recognition that the rest He offers is beyond our comprehension and often beyond our immediate vision.

The writer of Hebrews reminded us again of the story of the Israelites who were freed from Egypt but were not able to enter into everything God had for them. When God’s people were finally face to face with the land of Canna —God’s promised land—they did not walk into it. They knew what God said, but they didn’t mix their faith with God’s Word.

God has a promised land for you as well. His promised land isn't merely about a cessation of labor but a land flowing with milk and honey—a place of God’s provisions where believers step into their God-ordained inheritance.

You will never walk in the fullness of God’s provision or the fullness of your calling without adding faith to the mix. What does that look like?

First, you must hear the Word. Get yourself under good teaching and listen. Second, you need to receive the Word. Third, you must believe that what God’s Word says is going to happen, and that it is entirely true. Fourth, you must speak the Word out loud and refuse to speak any negativity or unbelief. Then last, but certainly not least, you must act on the Word that you spoke; do something in faith to see it come to pass.

Don’t expect God’s promised rest to happen if you don’t add faith to the mix.

Practical Application

What are you believing God for? Is there an element of acting in faith that you have neglected in your believing? Look again at the five elements of faith and see if there is any area you need to step up to see God’s will come to pass in your life.

Hebrews 3:12; Hebrews 3:18