The "Rest" Of The Story (Rest and Restlessness Of Spirit)

Hebrews 4:6 – See the note below.

6 “Therefore, since it remains for some [5100- “some one, a certain one, any one, one”] to enter it [“it” being the “rest” of the Lord]…”

Notice that the definition of the Greek word interpreted as “some” is “some one, a certain one, any one, one.” This is the same definition of the chosen group of “one man from each tribe” that were commanded to rest in the waters of the Jordan River in Joshua 3:12-17 above. Using the children of Israel’s journey through the wilderness as an example, the writer warns us as Christians, today, to not be like those of God’s people (i.e. a picture of the church today) who died and did not enter in to the promised place of inheritance in God because of an “unbelieving/unfaithful heart”;

“Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving [570- “unfaithfulness, faithlessness, lack of faith, unbelief”] heart that falls away [868- “to make stand off, cause to withdraw, to remove, to desert”] from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance [5287- “a setting or placing under, substructure, foundation”] firm [949- firm, steadfast, secure”] until the end [a conditional promise], while it is said, "TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS, AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME." For who provoked Him when they had heard? Indeed, did not all those who came out of Egypt led by Moses? And with whom was He angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief [544- “not to allow oneself to be persuaded, not to comply with, to refuse belief or obedience”; it’s actually associated with unfaithfulness].”

(Hebrews 3:12-19/NASU)

As you can see, to have an unbelieving heart means an unfaithful heart, one that withdraws from following Jesus Christ as Lord. Like the majority of the children of Israel, they are deserters who fall away from Him at the end of this age, in particular (see 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17), and are cast out of the kingdom of God. They did not hold fast the beginning of their foundation in Christ. Instead, they walked away from Him with an unfaithful heart of apostasy. This is the spirit of antichrist that has inundated the church.

Matthew 11:29-30 – See the note below.

29 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle [4239- “gentle, mild, meek”; see Matthew 5:5] and humble [5011- “lowly, of low degree, humble”] in heart [2588], and YOU WILL FIND REST [372- “intermission; cessation, of any motion, business, labor; rest”] FOR YOUR SOULS.

30 "For My yoke is easy [5543- “that which is pleasant, good, gracious, virtuous, kind”] and My burden [5413- “something carried, load”] is light [1645- “light in weight, easy to bear, quick, agile”]."

NASU

The people of Jesus’ time fully understood what He meant when He spoke of putting His yoke on them. A yoke is something that couples two things together. It was used to harness animals, traditionally oxen, for work like plowing fields or pulling carts. It connects the animals together, making them work as a team to share the load. When oxen work together, they can move with less effort, accomplishing the task before them. If one fights the other, trying to go in opposite directions, they will not move forward.

The opposite of rest is restlessness. The Cambridge Dictionary defines restlessness as; “the quality of being unwilling or unable to stay still or to be quiet and calm, because you are worried or bored. Side effects can include restlessness and irritability.” These are spiritual side effects of rebellion against the Lord.

The following insights are from the article “What Is Yoke in the Bible? Meaning of Jesus' Teaching”;

“…In the New Testament, Jesus uses the image of a yoke to describe the relationship between Himself and His followers. He says, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:29). This yoke represents the commitment of discipleship, but it is also a yoke of love and service. Jesus promises His followers that if they trust in His dominion, they will find true peace and joy.

Here are some examples of how the word “yoke” is used in the Bible:

“And they put the yoke of oxen on me, and I plowed for seven years.” (Genesis 41:46)

“Come, let us bear the yoke of the LORD, for it is good.” (Lamentations 3:27)

“My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30)

“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

Overall, the word “yoke” in the Bible has a variety of meanings, but it most often represents teamwork, cooperation, and discipleship. It is a reminder that we are all called to work together to serve God and others.

The Yoke of Jesus

When Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you” (Matthew 11:29), He meant that we are to submit ourselves to Him every day in every way. A yoke was made of wood, hand-carved to fit the neck and shoulders of the animal to prevent pain or discomfort. In ancient culture, the word yoke was a term that was used to describe submission. So when someone was described as being yoked to someone or something, it communicated the idea that he or she was submitting to that person or thing.

So, to be yoked to Jesus is to serve and follow Him [rather than fighting against Him; anti (“against”)-christ]. Before you bristle at that idea, consider this: everyone is yoked to someone or something. The question is, to whom or what do you want to be yoked? Some are yoked to the power of sin. They are under its control. Some are yoked in a relationship with unbelievers, and the Bible warns very specifically against that.

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14)

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)

“Let all who are under a yoke as slaves regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled. Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these things.” (1 Timothy 6:1-2)

Yoke and Discipleship

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loosen the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6) Jesus, if we’re willing, releases the yoke of our oppression and encourages us to take on His yoke instead.

He said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” But why wouldn't we avoid yokes altogether and do our own thing? Ironically, there is a comfort in being “yoked” to something or someone when it is a benevolent entity. We must learn how to live from somewhere, and being completely alone can be intimidating and overwhelming. Jesus is offering us an opportunity to learn from him and serve a righteous purpose by making our lives easier and more meaningful.

Let’s consider the context of Jesus’ words. Two oxen are chosen to share a yoke. The first is an older, seasoned ox. He is trained and hardy from years of routine. The second is a new young ox. He has potential but is inexperienced. The elder trains the young by sharing the same yoke with a veteran workhorse.

Not only that, but the experienced one draws harder to bear the majority of the load. Since the older one leads, the younger ox does not have to wonder what to do. He learns from his mentor and gains the knowledge and skill to teach others.

This very much resembles discipleship. Jesus invites us to ‘learn of Him,’ which is another way of stating, ‘be My disciple.’ There’s peace in not having to figure life out on our own. There’s assurance as we follow His lead.

Jesus also declares that His yoke is easy. The word ‘easy’ here doesn’t imply ‘simple’, but ‘good’. If I’m yoked to Jesus, there’s peace in being yoked to someone good, loving, and patient.

The paraphrase? “Get in the yoke with me. Let me disciple You. I’ll bear the weight of your burden. My yoke is good and you will find rest and companionship in our labor together.”

The Reason For Our Unrest/Restlessness

“You have made us for Yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in You,”

(St. Augustine; “Confessions”)

Galatians 5:1, 16-26 – See the note below.

1 It was for freedom [1657- “freedom, liberty”] that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm [4739- “stand fast, to persist, persevere”] and do not be subject [1758- “to be held, be entangled, be held ensnared”] again to a yoke of slavery [1397- “slavery, bondage, the condition of a slave”]…

16 But I say, walk [4043- “to regulate one’s life, to conduct oneself”] by the Spirit [4151- “a current of air, i.e. breath or a breeze; a spirit (human, angels, demons, or of God)”], and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh [4561- (sarx) “what can be stripped off the bones, the body”].

17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. [More below on spirit, soul, and body]

18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. [A “big if,” conditional statement.]

19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,

20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,

21 envying, drunkenness, carousing [2970- revelry (i.e. carousing or noisy partying; a party spirit)”], and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice [4238- “to do; practice, i.e. perform repeatedly or habitually”] such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh [4561] with its passions [3804- “an affection, passion”] and desires [1939- “desire, craving, longing (especially for that which is forbidden)”]. 

25 If we live by the Spirit [Romans 8:2], let us also walk [4748] by the Spirit. [NIV- “…let us keep in step with the Spirit.”]

26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.

Galatians 6:1-2

1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual [4152- “non-carnal, one who is filled with and governed by the Spirit of God”], restore such a one in a spirit [4151] of gentleness [4240- “gentleness, humility”]; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.

2 Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

NASU

NT:4561 sarx (sarx)

(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)

probably from the base of NT:4563; flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul [or spirit], or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties [physically or morally] and passions), or (specifically) a human being (as such):

KJV - carnal (-ly, -ly minded), flesh ([-ly]).

(Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)

what can be stripped off from the bones

   1.   properly, flesh (the soft substance of the living body, which covers the bones and is permeated with blood)

         of both men and beasts (1 Corinthians 15:39)

   2.   equivalent to the body,

      a.   universally (John 6:63)

      b.   used of natural or physical origin, generation, relationship (Romans 9:3)

      c.   the sensuous nature of man, "the animal nature": of sexual desire (John 1:13)

   3.   a living creature

   4.   sarx, when either expressly or tacitly opposed to to pneuma (tou Theou), has an ethical sense and denotes mere human nature, the earthly nature of man apart from divine influence [which is one of the definitions for grace], and therefore prone to sin and opposed to God [i.e. anti-Christ]

NT:4748 stoicheo (stoy-kheh'-o)

(Strong’s exhaustive Concordance)

from a derivative of steicho (to range in regular line); to march in (military) rank (keep step), i.e. (figuratively) to conform to virtue and piety:

KJV - walk (orderly).

(Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)

a.   to proceed in a row, go in order:

b.   to walk

(Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words)

stoicheo [4748] – from stoichos, "a row," signifies "to walk in line," [see My Dream Of Finishing The Race in which the Lord showed me rows of believers approaching the finish line together, orderly, hand in hand] and is used metaphorically of "walking" in relation to others (No. 1 is used more especially of the individual walk); in Acts 21:24, it is translated "walkest orderly"; in Romans 4:12, "walk (in... steps)"; in Galatians 5:25 it is used of walking "by the Spirit," RV, in an exhortation to keep step with one another in submission of heart to the Holy Spirit, and therefore of keeping step with Christ, the great means of unity and harmony in a church (contrast No. 1 in v. 16; v. 25 begins a new section which extends to 6:10); in 6:16 it is used of walking by the rule expressed in vv. 14, 15; in Phil. 3:16 the reference is to the course pursued by the believer who makes "the prize of the high calling" the object of his ambition. In the Sept., Eccl. 1:16.

In this chapter, Paul warns Christians that it is possible for our freedom in Christ from enslavement to sin, gained through turning to Him in repentance, to be given back to the power of our enemy, the devil. After turning to Him as your Lord and Savior, the right or privilege (i.e. power of choice) found only in Christ can be diminished, if not lost by not “standing firm” in Him, by His Spirit, causing us to become “subject again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1) [In the Bible study Freedom In Christ, I explain that when you turn to Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are given the “right” to become sons of God. But this right, through continued rebellion against His lordship over you, can be forfeited, just as our right of freedom can be forfeited as a citizen of this nation through our breaking the law (i.e. lawlessness). The type given to us by Paul in the New Testament is the rebellion of the children of Israel in their wilderness journey (1 Corinthians 10:1-12).]

I see this in type through the priests that stood firm “in the middle” of the Jordan River. We too must stand firm in our “middle” (i.e. the soul of man being in the middle of the spirit, soul and body of man’s tripartite nature), turned toward the Holy Spirit’s divine influence (i.e. His grace) who is given to enlighten our dead spirit (see Colossians 2:13), rather than to the world where the devil and his demons enslave mankind. (For a very insightful discussion on mankind’s tripartite nature, see the book “Soul & Spirit” by Jessie Penn-Lewis.)

Another word for freedom is liberty. “In the Bible, liberty (or freedom) primarily signifies deliverance from spiritual bondage and oppression, particularly freedom from sin and its consequences, rather than mere political or social freedom. It also encompasses the idea of living a life of joyful obedience to God, enabled by the Holy Spirit.” It’s the power to do what is right in God’s eyes, apart from the power of the sinful, or fallen nature within all of mankind.

To be free in Christ is to not be constrained by the will of our fallen nature, which “naturally” is in opposition to the will of God. It is to be given, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the “right or privilege” of the “power of choice” to do what is right and pleasing to God without interference from the sinful nature. The unbeliever has neither the right or power of choice to choose what is right without interference from their fallen nature, which they live and walk by. This is why the warfare by the devil is at the soul level. He attempts, through deception, to once again have us act against the will of God, choosing instead to do what seems “right” to us outside the will of God, apart from His Spirit’s lead in our spirit, thereby re-enslaving us to sin and himself. This is why Paul gives his exhortation in Galatians 5:1 above for every Christian to “keep standing firm” lest we go right back into a condition of enslavement.

The devil’s reasoning in our minds (i.e. the soul) will not be of one of recognizable, open rebellion against God’s will, but like that which he used against Eve in the original sin; by appealing to her human intellect, in the soul, with a “fine sounding argument” of deception (Colossians 2:4), outside of God’s will expressed by His commands (Genesis 3:1-7). Once accepted and adhered to, causing an inroad in our soul, the devil begins to build his lies line upon line, precept upon precept, opposite of God’s truth. Many Christians, having been deceived, will then operate from their soul (i.e. mind, will, and emotions) only, rather than by the Holy Spirit that operates from within their spirit.

To be at rest within our inner man, is to submit to being yoked together with Jesus, no longer fighting Him (i.e. anti-Christ; anti means “against”). When a Christian fights against God’s will, they walk in a state of restlessness. This is referred to by Paul as being led by (i.e. “yoked” with) our fallen, fleshly, sinful nature rather than the Holy Spirit.

Paul spoke of this fatal heart condition in his letter to the churches in Galatia. It produces a state of spiritual death, first, within a Christian’s heart (i.e. the soul). The remedy for this is found in Galatians 5:24 above; the cross of Jesus is mankind’s answer. As we become united with Him in the likeness of His death, we will not only “rest in peace” while on earth, but will throughout eternity be united with Him in the likeness of His resurrection (Romans 6:5). This way of peace through the cross (1 Corinthians 1:18), made known to Christians by the Holy Spirit, is utter foolishness to the unbeliever, in particular those who, with great pride, worship their human intellect (i.e. “intellectual idiocy”).