I am reading “Abiding in Christ” by Andrew Murray, a 31-day devotional / journey to intimacy with Christ. I was intending to post my thoughts on each days reading, but I’m behind…so I’ll get caught up before I read Day 6…. I’m trying to keep them brief, but give enough to whet your appetite for this great book. He is one of my personal favorite authors.
Second Day – “Abide in Christ” : And You Shall Find Rest For Your Souls
This chapter deals with the rest we all have experienced when we came to Christ, but somehow do not live in on a moment by moment basis. The whole chapter is incredible and speaks powerfully, but perhaps the next quote sums it up the best. Andrew Murray asks how it is that the rest we at times enjoy is so often lost. Great question! His conclusion is that we don’t understand “… how entire surrender to Jesus is the secret of perfect rest.”
“Giving up one’s whole life to Him, for Him alone to rule and order it; taking up His yoke adn submitting to be led and taught, to learn of Him; abiding in Him, to be nd do only what He wills – these are the conditions of discipleship without which there can be no thought of maintaining the rest that was bestowed on first coming to Christ. The rest is in Christ and not something He gives apart from Himself, and so it is only in having Him that the rest can really be kept and enjoyed.”
He then draws the thought to Matt 11:30 (NKJV) “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light,” stating that the yoke is easy because when we totally surrender, it is the yoke that gives rest, because the Lord himself gives the strength and the joy to do it.
“The soul has but to yield itself to Him, to be still and rest in confidence that His love has undertaken and that His faithfulness will perform the work of keeping it safe in the shelter of His bosom. … The obedient student asks no questions about the possibilities or results; he accepts every order in confidence that his teacher has provided for all that is needed.”
Third Day – “Abide in Christ” : Trusting Him to Keep You
Murray addresses the question / thought process of “While it’s a sacred duty and privilege to abide in Christ, how is it possible to live in continual unbroken fellowship with the Savior?” I know I’ve faced this question in my own life. I certainly desire it, but does it exist and am I able to do it? The answer is I am not able – but He is.
“Abiding in Him is not a work othat we have to do as the condition for enjoying His salvation, but a consenting to let Him do all for us, and in us, and through us.”
My part is simply to yield to Him. Again I’m reminded of Galatians 2:20 – one of my life verses – and how it is a proclaimation that I have died to my self to let Him live through me.
Day 4 and 5 will be next….
Running After Papa…