The Bible tells us to enter God’s rest today. However, ever so often, change comes so suddenly that we feel unprepared for what it brings. At other times we must patiently wait, like farmers, knowing that the crop will bring forth its fruit after the rains (James 5:7).
Are you experiencing or anticipating or dreaming about change? You are not alone. The 50-day period between Resurrection Sunday and Pentecost Sunday is a season of transition. In this post we will look at how we can respond to God’s invitation, “Enter My Rest Today”:
- An Eleven Season to Transition to God’s Rest
- Dream: A New Car and 14,000 Acres
- A Parable: The Father’s Reward
- TODAY is the Day of God’s Rest
- Understanding God’s Work and God’s Rest
- Manifesting God’s Rest
- Enter My Rest Today: 3 Final Keys
An Eleven Season to Transition to God’s Rest
About two thousand years ago, one hundred and twenty disciples, including the Eleven Apostles, obediently waited in Jerusalem for the arrival of the Holy Spirit. They did not return to catching fish or collecting taxes or following preachers after the event. Furthermore, King Herod had executed John the Baptist. (Acts 1:4-5; 2: 1-4, Mark 6:27). As such, the number 120 means the end of all flesh and the beginning of life in the Spirit. (Genesis 6:3)
Another number symbolic of change is the number eleven. It is the “transition” from 10 (Law/order) to 12 (Kingdom rule/government). Eleven is also associated with the prophetic. This is because discernment is required during any transition, particularly where there is dis-order or false government,
Following is a transition-type dream that I saw eleven months ago, but the Lord reminded me about it a few days ago. (For additional transition dream examples, please see Doorways To Change and Transition and Wilderness Wanderers.)
Dream: A New Car and 14,000 Acres
Analysis of Dream Symbols
In my dreams the Lord Jesus frequently appears as my older Brother, and our Heavenly Father as my earthly father.
- It is important to identify the meaning of repetitive symbols in your dreams.
A car symbolizes a career/ministry/calling (it takes you somewhere) and the color green can mean new growth that prospers. Additionally, the number 38 has appeared in many dreams as transition (3+8 =11) or new ministry 30 +8. [Other options are chapter 30 vs 8 or chapter 3 vs 8]. Paying $38,000 implies there is a cost for this transition.
- Zeros are like exclamation marks behind the meaning of the number they follow; they add emphasis.
The number 14, mentioned in my previous post, is associated with the Passover or deliverance, but it can also mean 7+7 (completion, perfection, rest). In this dream, the land represents spiritual inheritance or rest (Joshua 1:13-15). An open doorway frames a vision within the dream and is usually the main subject of the Dream, and whatever you see “behind” is either in the past or is hidden.
Fittingly, eleven months later, the Holy Spirit led me to revisit this dream.
- Understanding of prophecy comes at its God-appointed time.
In this case, I just “happened” to be reading through the Letter to the Hebrews when the Lord started speaking to me about the Dream which I had forgotten about.
- God may use even random Bible readings to help you to decode your dreams.
- It is important to journal your dreams, including the ones you do not yet understand.
Then, God used the following parable and related Scriptures to simplify some concepts.
A Parable: The Father’s Reward
Related Scriptures
The Children of Israel also received an invitation from God: 40 days to survey and prepare to take the Promised Land. Of the twelve leaders invited, only two (Joshua and Caleb) “showed up for the exam.”
Rather than risk defeat, the other ten quit! Sadly, their negative words influenced a generation to rebel against God’s Promise. Even though the works were finished [the Lord had passed the test for them] from the foundation of the world! (Hebrews 4:2-3).
Accordingly, in the letter to Hebrew Christians, the Author warns us not to repeat their mistake by not believing God.
God says again: “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” (Hebrews 3:15).
In saying the same thing twice, He is adding emphasis.
TODAY is the Day of God’s Rest
“TODAY” occurs at least seven times in a similar context (in Hebrews) and is probably not the same as our 24-hour day because the sun and moon (which govern our chronological days and seasons) were not created until God’s Fourth Day! (Genesis 1:14-19)
God finally rested on the Seventh Day. Could this be the same Day called “TODAY,” which the Author states has “lasted a very long time”? (Hebrews 4:7)
Understanding God’s Work and God’s Rest
God so greatly desires for us to participate in His Rest (His Seventh Day) that He established the Sabbath Day as an important “sign” (Genesis 2:2; Exodus 31:13).
However, we cannot understand His Rest until we recognize how He works.
God works by speaking. He releases His Word intentionally and with purpose, like rain or snow from Heaven, to set in motion a series of events in the earth so there is “bread for the eater.” (Isaiah 55)
- His Word triggers a series of steps to reach a desired endpoint and does not return to Him void.
God “sees” His Word fully manifested from it is in its early unformed state. (Isaiah 46: 10; Psalm 139:16)
- After God released His Word, He “rested” during the Seventh Day to allow His Word to manifest its purpose at the intended/scheduled date (and location)!
This means that the date of our birth, all the places we will ever live, and our destinies are all a product of God’s Word. Though spoken a very long time ago, God’s Word is made manifest “Today.” (Act 17:26)
Similarly, the “Lamb [was] slain from the foundation of the world” …at the time God first declared it. (Revelation 13:8)
Manifesting God’s Rest
- In Jesus, when we are led by the Holy Spirit to hear and believe God’s Word and do the things God has spoken (prepared beforehand for us to do), we are in God’s Rest… Today (God’s Seventh Day)!
- Indeed, we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end… [paraphrased: If we do not quit]. (Hebrews 3:14, NKJV)
God may have rested, but He has not slumbered. In fact, the Spirit of the Father actively works to fulfill and to confirm all the things spoken and set in motion long ago (John 5: 17). And He encourages us to speak the Word of His Power, not our own! (Hebrews 1:3; Isaiah 58:13).
Dreams and visions and prophetic words give us glimpses of God’s Word, His Thoughts, and His Plans.
- God has already blessed and fulfilled Seventh Day (Destiny) dreams!
After the Holy Spirit led me through all of this, I can now see that God’s Seventh Day is not passive and restrictive. Rather, it is a busy Day for the active manifestation of all God’s Promises. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath and He fulfilled God’s Word. As such, Jesus performed many miracles to demonstrate how great God’s mercy is in His Rest, and that He has invited us to participate in this Day as a blessing, not a burden.
Dream Interpretation
As you guessed, the dream is not about a new car! The Lord is saying to me (and to you since you’re reading this):
You are already Righteous (white car) in Christ Jesus, now it’s time you possess the Promises/the Land (the green car) that the Father has already acquired for you since the foundation of the world. The Promises in His Rest are guaranteed (already paid for). They are your reward for believing and obeying My Word. Do whatever I show you by faith, even when it seems impractical. And do not quit because you “have not” failed! The Land is Mine and I have given it to you!
Enter My Rest Today: 3 Final Keys
Three final observations about a God-led transition: First, it is rarely convenient and it often does not make sense. Second, it usually cost something – faith is the currency of Heaven. Third, if we do not “show up for the exam,” (obedience) we do not get to see the manifestation of the Promise, or the victory already secured for us.
Prayer: Dear Father! How blessed we are when we believe and obey Your Word before we see the manifestation. Cause us to enter Your Rest Today and secure the Promise in Christ Jesus. Amen!
And our Father responds: My Dear Children, I have seen your love for Me and My Son, and your labor to believe My Word even when things look impossible. My plans for you are to prosper you and fill you with hope. Victory is yours!