A key question on the application of a particular bible text was asked by an Ethiopian eunuch, whose chariot Philip had joined.on invitation. Seeing that the eunuch was reading Isaiah 53: 7-8. Philip asked him, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
The eunuch’s reply was, “Please tell me: to whom is the prophet speaking?” Philip began at that scripture and “preached to him Jesus.” (Acts 8:35) Acts 19:10 reads: “The testimony of Jesus [in type through all the Bible] is the spirit of prophecy.” (Acts 19:10)
The risen Jesus had done likewise after a question from two dispirited disciples.”And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27)
These two examples establish the principle of Primary Application. Not double application, but rather one in which biblical texts are too great for their historical contexts. We see this in the Book of Isaiah, where prophetic texts which apply to the sufferings of the Jews rise to a peak in the greater Suffering Servant: Jesus Christ.
Moses was succeeded by Joshua, whom the LORD used to “give them rest round about” as promised (Joshua 21:44). Hebrews 4:1 however, states that “a promise of entering God’s rest remains for those who believe”. Verses 8-10 reaffirm it: “For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day. The conclusion: “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” Those who enter into God’s rest have ceased from their works, as God did on the Seventh Day (Hebrews 4:8-10).
The believing and water baptized eunuch returned to the palace of Queen Candace in Ethiopia rejoicing in his understanding that the prophecy of Isaiah 53 referred specifically to Jesus, the promised Messiah. He had asked the key question and Philip had answered it, and their chariot journey together ended in his baptism and Philip’s sudden disappearance.
No matter! The deacon, turned evangelist, turned teacher Philip had asked the eunuch if he understood his reading of Isaiah, and answered his reply question to his complete satisfaction. Philip departed on a ‘high’ that we would all like to experience now and will for sure when Jesus returns.
Until then, may God’s peace rule your heart in the knowledge that when the crucified Jesus said, “It is finished” it included your “rest” in his finished work of redemption. So, any added “work” that you might think necessary, i.e. to pray more and louder; to worship longer; to get more anointing; to give more — is to state that what Jesus did was not enough!
Over-activity comes from insecurity and leads to endless efforts all aimed at pleasing God so that you can feel more secure than you are already “in Jesus Christ” which you cannot! So, JUST STOP IT!