January 19 — Rest in Grace

Hope for Today: A Daily Devotion from Reasons for Hope*Jesus

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“But the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, and she returned into the ark to him, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took her, and drew her into the ark to himself.” Genesis 8:9

The dove-like spirit, communicated to the soul in regeneration, can find no rest for the sole of its foot until it brings us to Jesus, who is the true Ark of the covenant. Many, on their first awakening from sin — apply themselves to very hard works and rigorous duties, thereby expecting to find rest for their wounded consciences. But, though the right and diligent use of all the means of grace is absolutely required — great care must be taken not to rely on that. We should not place any confidence at all in our own doings — but look for rest only through the blood of Christ. To be found in Him, justified and accepted, would soon fill our hearts with peace; nay, prompt, encourage, and enable us to abound in every good work.

My soul, I charge you never to rest, but in Jesus. The world is a wilderness; the church is imperfect; your very duties are mixed with sin; you will, therefore, never find rest such as your immortal nature requires — but in Jesus.

• His blood shed for your sin,
• His righteousness wrought for your justification,
• His word given for your comfort, and
• His prevalent intercession at the Father’s right hand

— will give you rest in every stormy day, and every trying hour. As the dove returned to the ark of Noah — so return from all your wanderings to Jesus.

Devotion by Karl Heinrich von Bogatzky (1690—1774)