The author of Hebrews refers to the Words inside the Bible as living and active, Hebrews 4:12. Jesus spoke about this in John 16:8, pointing to the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet, in the Old Testament, resting in God’s strength was different as the Holy Spirit did not permanently arrive on earth until 30 AD. Subsequently, there’s a difference between resting in God’s strength and keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25.
But his bow remained strong and steady and rested in the Strength that does not fail him, for the arms of his hands were made strong and active by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob, by the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, Genesis 49:24.
Joseph learned about trusting in God’s strength from listening to the testimonies of his forefathers. When God spoke to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, altars were set up to remember God’s presence and message bought to these men. Whether he was listening to these testimonies or visiting these special places, Joseph learned to rest in God’s strength.
And to keep me from being puffed up and too much elated by the exceeding greatness (preeminence) of these revelations, there was given me a thorn ([a]a splinter) in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to rack and buffet and harass me, to keep me from being excessively exalted. 8 Three times I called upon the Lord and besought [Him] about this and begged that it might depart from me; 9 But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and [b]show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may [c]pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! 10 So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [[d]in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful [e]in divine strength). 11 Now I have been [speaking like] a fool! But you forced me to it, for I ought to have been [[f]saved the necessity and] commended by you. For I have not fallen short one bit or proved myself at all inferior to those superlative [false] apostles [of yours], even if I am nothing (a nobody), 2 Corinthians 12:7-11.
Meanwhile, the apostle Paul brings new meaning to resting in God’s strength in the passage above. While writing to the Church at Corinth, Paul reflects upon some sort of debilitating condition. Scholars believe that this thorn in Paul’s flesh could also be spiritual oppression like haunting nightmares of being responsible for the apostle Steven’s death. Whatever this condition was, Paul is forced to place his whole trust and strength in Jesus.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 