WDJS # 46

“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

The summary of yesterday’s context for John’s confirmation of evidence for Jesus is this very famous command. Again I am blessed at the clarity of what’s important to God. If it’s important to God it is clear in His word. Have I ever said that before!? 

After sending John’s friends home with the “evidence” to encourage the inmate, Jesus praised John for his faithfulness in serving God and then challenged the people around Him in their need to have a faithfulness like John’s for themselves. They were confused in their application of religion and God in their lives and it would have been a good time, in my misguided opinion, for Jesus to take them to task and put them in their place. It’s a good thing I’m not God! Instead Jesus gently rebuked them and then offered them one of the greatest commands with a promise in the gospels. I break it down like this:

The commands:
1. Come to me if you are tired and weary
2. Take My yoke upon you
3. Learn from Me
The promises:
1. I will give you rest (physically)
2. You will find rest for your soul (spiritually)
3. My yoke is easy
4. My burden is light

And here was my clincher for the day:
1. I need to respond to His command to come, take, and learn
2. He will give me rest, both physically and spiritually
3. I will know if I’m getting it right if the “yoke is easy,” and the “burden is light!”

#3 was my ah-ha reminder for the day. The hard part of Christianity, as I continue to discover it, is to make the decision to come, take, and learn from Him rather than trying to make it on my own, or seeking His approval of my choices. WHEN I DO connect with Jesus according to HIS plan, I discover rest AND—here’s the ah-ha– a spiritual journey that does not make life harder but in fact easier. I used to think a yoke was just a big hunk of wood strapped to the neck of an ox and I couldn’t imagine that being easy. But then I discovered more about the yoke and learned that what an ox was called to do was a LOT of work, probably more than it could do on its own. The yoke was to teach the animal that when it learned to work with the other ox in its team the work was easier. I think that’s the way it is with Jesus too. I can try on my own or I can choose to “yoke up” with Jesus and when I do I discover life’s tasks are easier, not harder because I am doing it connected to Him.

And as I journey with God if I discover that the Christian walk is a burden then I believe I am not discovering the “real” Christian walk that God intended! He said it would be easy! Not to get confused with lazy, the “easy” part is when I learn to journey WITH God allowing Him to lead me and guide me. The “burdened” Christian life comes when I find myself trying to do it on my own OR trying to live up to what others expect more than what God expects. To make this happen I need to “come, take, and learn” from Him. I “come” to Him and acknowledge that I can do nothing apart from Him; I voluntarily “take” His yoke, allowing Him to guide me through life; and I “learn” that my security, my assurance, my salvation comes from accepting and not earning! His commands with promises for today give me renewed encouragement, strength, and hope. I pray the same for you.

Have a great day “coming, taking and learning,” SO THAT you will find “rest, focus, and enjoyment” with Him,
Pastor Rich

Quote for the day: “A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” Charles Spurgeon

PS @ 4 City Mission- help prepare supper and tutor the kids who are living there. Meet in Rees Hall lobby.

PPS Vespers tonight will be presented by our guests at the Mid America Union Music Festival. Join us in the church @ 7:30 as we listen to the gifts God has given these musicians.

Did you know that you can watch any vespers program at Union streamed live or archived!! Check it out www.ucollege.edu/uclive

PPPS Afterglow, something different each week after vespers. This week, it will be presented by Sarah and the Math/Science Division. Come to the Atrium right after vespers and enjoy live music, hot chocolate and cookies (to help you warm up with the SNOW that’s coming!!!! )

PPPPS – Sanctuary study @ 9:30 in Rees Hall Worship Room

PPPPPS Tomorrow is the day we prepare lunch for the homeless people of Lincoln. This event is hosted by our PA students but anyone is welcome to participate. Meet at 10am at the park bench in front of Larson Lifestyle/Nursing/PA building. You will be back by about 1pm. Questions? Contact Rodett @ thawk_un@hotmail.com