Lesson 229 – When the Spirit Is Given Rest

Zechariah 6:8

"And He called to me, and spoke to me, saying, 'See, those who go toward the north country have given rest to My Spirit in the north country.'"

This is a difficult text, at least in terms of being assured of a right interpretation. I wish I could promise you I've got it right, but I'll leave it up to the Spirit to verify my opinion, or turn you in another direction.

Regardless, here's what we know for sure. In a vision, Zechariah is shown four chariots, each pulled by a series of horses. He is then told these were sent to go throughout the earth as the four spirits of heaven. No explanation is given as to what the four spirits of heaven are, or what their purpose may be. Zechariah is then told that those which went to the north country gave rest to God's Spirit in the north country.

Unfortunately, we're not told anything specific as to how the Spirit received rest from those which went to the north country. Still, I don't believe we'd be too far off course to suggest the Spirit received rest when God gave Israel freedom from the bondage they endured for 70 years under the Babylonians. When God released the nation, the Spirit's work at that time and place was done, and in that sense, the Spirit rested.

As believers, we cling to the rest the Spirit provides us, but rarely do we consider that the Spirit also receives rest. I suspect this means that the Spirit ceases from a specific work. For Israel, it was the work of sustaining the nation while in captivity. In us, the Spirit rests whenever a work in us is completed.

Among other times, this rest would be possible whenever our lives become attuned to the Spirit's will and we follow in obedience. This allows the Spirit to complete his work in us, and at least for that moment, become a God who is at rest. The less we rebel against God's direction, the more often the Spirit can be at rest in guiding our lives.

Of course, the Spirit doesn't need rest like we do, for God never grows tire, and his mercies are new every morning. Still, wouldn't it be wonderful to be so in lock step with the Lord that the Spirit really had no other work to do in us?

LORD JESUS

Lord, I thank you for the rest your Spirit gives the life of your church. May our lives be so in sync with you that your Spirit receives rest from our lives of obedience. Amen.