As we “get over” Christmas, most of us begin to contemplate and prepare ourselves for another year, do you wonder what this season will bring for us, our friends and our family, and for those around us. It's not surprising to find many of us facing continued hardships of a struggling economy, waning health and difficult (or non-existent) relationships, besides the typical "unknowns."
Just this week I have received several prayer requests and some communications from our pastor about folks with some serious health problems or other issues.
Isn't this the time of year when everyone is "supposed" to be happy, where wishes "come true," and everything turns out perfect (just like on the Hallmark and Lifetime channels)? Maybe that's why so many families head to Disneyworld for the holidays, where it claims to be the "Happiest Place on Earth."
In many ways, this time of year seems to remind us of our sadness and disappointments more than it heals them. Maybe we just expect too much from the season.
Disappointment
One dictionary defines disappointment as " the feeling of being unhappy because something that you hoped for or expected did not happen or because someone or something was not as good as you expected " and expectation as "a confident belief or strong hope that a particular event will happen."
It is interesting is how similar the "secular" definition of expectation is to the "biblical" definition of faith.
Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it. (Hebrews 11:1 NCV).
From the world's point of view, expectations are something we believe and hope will happen while from God's perspective, faith is being sure of what we hope for.
To expand a little further, expectations seem to be what we hope "we" (ourselves or others) can do (or have control in doing); while faith is believing what God is going to do. If our disappointment comes from the failure of somebody we believed in or put our trust in (including ourselves), maybe our expectations are placed more on "mankind" than on our faith in God.
This isn't to say we shouldn't have expectations for ourselves (or for others) or by having faith in God alone that we won't ever be disappointed. There are many situations in life (and in death) where we may never understand the reason "why" things happen even with a strong faith, like the loss of a family member, a marriage breakup or a horrendous crime. However, faith is having the hope of being certain God is in control, believing he knows and loves us even in the worst of times and knowing his way is perfect (Psalm 18:30).
Hope
"...God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:40).
If we continue to place all of our hope and expectations only in ourselves, naturally we will be disappointed. None of us are perfect nor can we expect to be. However, if we place our hope in God, "together" it will be made perfect.
Peter often had solid unwavering faith, hope and insight, while he was with Jesus.
• When Jesus asked him, "Who do people say I am?" Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-19)
• When he “walked on the water and came toward Jesus”. (Matthew 14:22-29)
Yet, many of us are quite aware of the time he wasn't.
• When he denied Jesus three times. “Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” (Matthew 26::75)
Peter was more steadfast when he was with the Lord than when he was apart from him.
May times, we can sometimes feel as if life is an uphill, "us" against "the world," struggle. Although there are difficult situations to face, we don't have to face our struggles alone. We have been offered a relationship with Jesus and a guide in the Holy Spirit, to live each day together with the Lord instead of on our own.
Paul writes: “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (Romans 5:1-5).
Even still, many of still seem to be at the end of our rope "hoping" for a miracle.
Miracle
We need to remind ourselves that God is in every moment of our lives because He has a plan for us.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Oftentimes when a trial arises, we immediately question "Why?" instead of "What?" We should be asking ourselves, "What is God doing through this bump in the road, struggle or heartbreak?" and "What do I need to learn, grow, change or do to be a part of it?"
Sheila Walsh, Christian author and speaker, recently shared a story about being delayed at an airport causing her to miss her connecting flight. As she was in line waiting to be rebooked, a distraught woman ahead was silently pleading for God to show her he still knew who she was. When the woman turned around, she recognized Sheila from the Women of Faith Conferences and burst into tears explaining how much Sheila had ministered to her over the years. That was her sign from God.
Sheila could have looked at missing her plane and thought, "Why me God?" Instead she made herself available to whatever he was doing and (together with Him) ended up being used as a God-given sign for that woman.
Someone once said, "Instead of always looking for a miracle, BE a miracle." What this means is instead of always seeking for something to happen for you, go out and be that (miracle) for someone else.
We often think we know what is best for our lives and put pressure on ourselves to "make it happen," and when our expectations fall short we become disappointed. However, if we look beyond our own struggles and allow ourselves to be used by God, we may be surprised at the miracles we may see. God doesn't need us for his plans, but if we join together with him maybe we can be a part of something that is made perfect.
Don't miss what he is trying to do through you this New Year.
For prayer requests, comments or to be included in our email ministry, email us at: whosoever@cottagehillbaptist.org
Check out our “blog” at:
http://thewhosoevers.blogspot.com/
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Sunday, December 26, 2010
'Twas the Day After Christmas
When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:17-20
Our text tells us how to celebrate Christmas. In its most literal sense, this passage describes the various responses of people to the birth of Christ. In our own culture Christmas means holly and mistletoe, parties, gifts, carols, eggnog, big meals, a decorated tree, and last-minute shopping.
These things are not objectionable in themselves, none of them (with the exception of giving gifts) has anything to do with the circumstances surrounding the birth of Christ.
The principle of celebrating the coming of Christ to the world is certainly a good idea. Some Christians frown on Christmas for various reasons and some even oppose it altogether. It is easy to decry the commercialization of Christmas. But, we who are Christians ought to enjoy this season of the year. It would be a double shame if we allowed the world to take this holiday (a word that really means “Holy Day") away from us.
Should we celebrate Christmas? By all means! How should we celebrate this great day? The first and most obvious answer is this. You should celebrate Christmas by becoming a Christian. After all, this is why Jesus came to the earth. He was born to be a Savior. And until you can call him “my Savior,” you will never fully understand what Christmas is all about.
This is where Christmas should begin for all of us. What should be added to this? Our text describes four responses of those who first heard the news that Christ had been born and tell us how to celebrate Christmas—not just in December but all year long.
1. “When they had seen him, they (shepherds) spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child” (Luke 2:17).
Shepherds generally came from the lowest elements of society. In that day, they were so little trusted that a shepherd’s testimony would not be accepted in a courtroom. Most shepherds were considered on a par with Gypsies, vagrants, and con men. Add to that the fact that shepherds were on the lowest rung of the economic ladder and had little or no formal education.
And that makes the story all the more remarkable. First they heard and saw the spectacular angelic revelation. Then when they went to Bethlehem they discovered the Savior of the world in a feeding-trough in a rough, outdoor barn, perhaps a cave carved out of the rocky hillside. The birth and the revelation didn’t seem to go together. Yet there it was—all from the hand of God.
God has been “silent” for 400 years, and now when He speaks, it is not through prophets as in OT. He now speaks through angels to lowly shepherds on a remote hillside outside a tiny Judean village.
It wasn’t a likely way to win the world. Certainly not the way we would have done it. If we had planned it, Jesus would have been born in Jerusalem, to a wealthy family, and attended by the high and mighty. That way no one would doubt that the Son of God had come to earth.
But God’s ways and ours are not the same. He chose to reveal the news to the shepherds first of all. After their initial (and understandable) fear, they responded in faith. They believed the angel, they immediately went to Bethlehem, and they found the baby Jesus. Everything was just as the angel said it would be.
And what did they do then? They told everyone they met what they had seen and heard.
Would have been as obedient? Would we have believed? Would we have gone to Bethlehem in the middle of the night? Would we have been as quick to tell the story?
Then they did what all Christians should do. They “spread the word” about Jesus. When you get down to it, that’s all evangelism is. It’s telling the good news about Jesus Christ to someone else.
What the shepherds did, we all can do. You need no authority, no permission, and no special training to tell the Good News of Christ. Simply tell what you know to be true. Talk about Jesus. Tell who he is and what he has done for you. Share your story and then invite others to come to Christ just as you did. That’s what the shepherds did. That’s what all of us are called to do. This is the first way we can all celebrate Christmas.
2. “And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them” (Luke 2:18).
“Amazed” is probably a mild word to describe the reaction of those who heard the shepherds. The story itself would sound incredible—the part about hearing an angelic choir in the middle of the night, not to mention finding the Son of God in a feeding-trough. And to think that God chose lowly shepherds as the first evangelists.
It’s important to understand that there are two kinds of amazement. The first has to do with temporary fascination over an unusual turn of events. If I had told you at the beginning of the football season that Auburn would be playing for the BCS championship, that would have provoked amazed laughter even from the most diehard fans, to say the least. But unlikely as this has been, it was not be supernatural in the literal sense. Underdog teams occasionally get on a roll and win championships. It’s unusual but not miraculous.
The second kind of amazement we could call “Holy Wonder.” It’s a kind of awe that comes from seeing God at work in the world. In the deepest sense all the acts of God are grounds for holy wonder since everything he does has the stamp of the divine on it. Go all the way back to Genesis and you discover that God created the entire universe out of nothing. He spoke everything into existence. Genesis 1-2
Christmas is indeed a cause for holy wonder. How can it be that God should become a man? How can a King be born in a feeding-trough? How could the world ignore his coming? And what sort of God comes into the world like this?
You ought to be amazed at Christmastime. If you managed to go through this Christmas season without ever pausing to think about the wonder of it all, then you have missed the reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place.
3. “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).
The word “pondered” goes deeper than “wondering.” It means to take the events as you have laid them out in your memory and then to go beneath the surface to try to understand what it all means
Mary certainly had plenty to think about. No doubt she continued to wonder why God had chosen her, and surely she pondered what was ahead for her newborn son.
Pondering is hard work, which is why many of us never get around to it. And yet this is the perfect time of the year to do it. What better time than the end of December to ponder what God has been teaching you? To look back over the last 12 months and consider the ways and works of God in your life and in the world around you? To do find a quiet place, turn off all your “electronics” and begin with a prayer asking God to show you the things he wants you to learn.
Make a “Top Ten” that have happened in your life in 2010. Those things can be events that happened to you personally or things that happened to others that had a major impact on you. Those things can be good or bad, victories or defeats, it doesn’t matter. Make the category as broad as you like.
As you look at your list, ask God to show you what patterns are at work. What is God teaching you? What lessons seem to come up again and again? What have learned about yourself (positively and negatively) this year? Now focus on the Lord. What have you learned about God’s character this year? Ask the Lord for insight as to where he might be leading you in the year to come. Use all of this as the basis for some personal prayer requests as you enter 2011. If you do this exercise with an open heart, God will meet you and show you fresh insights that will give you insight about the past and hope for the future.
Mary pondered what God had been doing in her life. That’s a helpful practice for all of us to follow.
4. “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told” (Luke 2:20).
The final verse tells us that the shepherds were profoundly changed by what they had experienced. What a difference a day makes. On the day before Christ was born, they were in the fields tending their sheep. On the day after he was born, they were back in the fields once again. Only this time their hearts were filled with praise to God and the amazing things they had seen and heard. And they simply couldn’t stop talking about what they had seen and heard.
And note where they did it. The text does not say that they glorified God in the temple, though that would have been appropriate. No, it says they “returned” to where they had been. Back to the tiring and unappreciated work of caring for sheep. Having seen the Babe in the manger, it was time to go back to work.
And so they did. And so must we. Christmas eventually ends for all of us. Soon enough we will take down the tree, pack away the ornaments, and either use our gifts or take them back to the store to be exchanged. In a few days the children will go back to school and life will return to normal.
But will we be changed by Christmas? Or will it be business as usual in 2011? For the shepherds, life would never be the same. Oh yes, the work was the same but they were different. They went back with new zeal, new joy, and new love for God in their hearts.
People sometimes wish they could keep the Christmas spirit all year long. Would you like Christmas to last all year long? It can if you will do what the shepherds did. Go back to where you came from.
Back to your office. Back to your factory. Back to your job. Back to your family duties.
Go back to the humdrum of daily routine. And as you go back, glorify God and praise him. That is what the shepherds did. Christmas didn’t change their circumstances, but it changed them deeply and profoundly. And because it changed them, it changed the way they approached their daily work. Yes, they still had to deal with cranky sheep and sometimes they had to step in sheep manure, but that hardly mattered now. They had seen the Christ child.
Have you seen Jesus this year at Christmastime? If you have, then go back to what you were doing before and take the memory of Christmas with you. Glorify God and praise him as you go about your routine and you will find your days filled with joy.
How shall we celebrate Christmas now that Christmas is past? By following the inspired outline in Luke 2:17-20.
Our text tells us how to celebrate Christmas. In its most literal sense, this passage describes the various responses of people to the birth of Christ. In our own culture Christmas means holly and mistletoe, parties, gifts, carols, eggnog, big meals, a decorated tree, and last-minute shopping.
These things are not objectionable in themselves, none of them (with the exception of giving gifts) has anything to do with the circumstances surrounding the birth of Christ.
The principle of celebrating the coming of Christ to the world is certainly a good idea. Some Christians frown on Christmas for various reasons and some even oppose it altogether. It is easy to decry the commercialization of Christmas. But, we who are Christians ought to enjoy this season of the year. It would be a double shame if we allowed the world to take this holiday (a word that really means “Holy Day") away from us.
Should we celebrate Christmas? By all means! How should we celebrate this great day? The first and most obvious answer is this. You should celebrate Christmas by becoming a Christian. After all, this is why Jesus came to the earth. He was born to be a Savior. And until you can call him “my Savior,” you will never fully understand what Christmas is all about.
This is where Christmas should begin for all of us. What should be added to this? Our text describes four responses of those who first heard the news that Christ had been born and tell us how to celebrate Christmas—not just in December but all year long.
1. “When they had seen him, they (shepherds) spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child” (Luke 2:17).
Shepherds generally came from the lowest elements of society. In that day, they were so little trusted that a shepherd’s testimony would not be accepted in a courtroom. Most shepherds were considered on a par with Gypsies, vagrants, and con men. Add to that the fact that shepherds were on the lowest rung of the economic ladder and had little or no formal education.
And that makes the story all the more remarkable. First they heard and saw the spectacular angelic revelation. Then when they went to Bethlehem they discovered the Savior of the world in a feeding-trough in a rough, outdoor barn, perhaps a cave carved out of the rocky hillside. The birth and the revelation didn’t seem to go together. Yet there it was—all from the hand of God.
God has been “silent” for 400 years, and now when He speaks, it is not through prophets as in OT. He now speaks through angels to lowly shepherds on a remote hillside outside a tiny Judean village.
It wasn’t a likely way to win the world. Certainly not the way we would have done it. If we had planned it, Jesus would have been born in Jerusalem, to a wealthy family, and attended by the high and mighty. That way no one would doubt that the Son of God had come to earth.
But God’s ways and ours are not the same. He chose to reveal the news to the shepherds first of all. After their initial (and understandable) fear, they responded in faith. They believed the angel, they immediately went to Bethlehem, and they found the baby Jesus. Everything was just as the angel said it would be.
And what did they do then? They told everyone they met what they had seen and heard.
Would have been as obedient? Would we have believed? Would we have gone to Bethlehem in the middle of the night? Would we have been as quick to tell the story?
Then they did what all Christians should do. They “spread the word” about Jesus. When you get down to it, that’s all evangelism is. It’s telling the good news about Jesus Christ to someone else.
What the shepherds did, we all can do. You need no authority, no permission, and no special training to tell the Good News of Christ. Simply tell what you know to be true. Talk about Jesus. Tell who he is and what he has done for you. Share your story and then invite others to come to Christ just as you did. That’s what the shepherds did. That’s what all of us are called to do. This is the first way we can all celebrate Christmas.
2. “And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them” (Luke 2:18).
“Amazed” is probably a mild word to describe the reaction of those who heard the shepherds. The story itself would sound incredible—the part about hearing an angelic choir in the middle of the night, not to mention finding the Son of God in a feeding-trough. And to think that God chose lowly shepherds as the first evangelists.
It’s important to understand that there are two kinds of amazement. The first has to do with temporary fascination over an unusual turn of events. If I had told you at the beginning of the football season that Auburn would be playing for the BCS championship, that would have provoked amazed laughter even from the most diehard fans, to say the least. But unlikely as this has been, it was not be supernatural in the literal sense. Underdog teams occasionally get on a roll and win championships. It’s unusual but not miraculous.
The second kind of amazement we could call “Holy Wonder.” It’s a kind of awe that comes from seeing God at work in the world. In the deepest sense all the acts of God are grounds for holy wonder since everything he does has the stamp of the divine on it. Go all the way back to Genesis and you discover that God created the entire universe out of nothing. He spoke everything into existence. Genesis 1-2
Christmas is indeed a cause for holy wonder. How can it be that God should become a man? How can a King be born in a feeding-trough? How could the world ignore his coming? And what sort of God comes into the world like this?
You ought to be amazed at Christmastime. If you managed to go through this Christmas season without ever pausing to think about the wonder of it all, then you have missed the reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place.
3. “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).
The word “pondered” goes deeper than “wondering.” It means to take the events as you have laid them out in your memory and then to go beneath the surface to try to understand what it all means
Mary certainly had plenty to think about. No doubt she continued to wonder why God had chosen her, and surely she pondered what was ahead for her newborn son.
Pondering is hard work, which is why many of us never get around to it. And yet this is the perfect time of the year to do it. What better time than the end of December to ponder what God has been teaching you? To look back over the last 12 months and consider the ways and works of God in your life and in the world around you? To do find a quiet place, turn off all your “electronics” and begin with a prayer asking God to show you the things he wants you to learn.
Make a “Top Ten” that have happened in your life in 2010. Those things can be events that happened to you personally or things that happened to others that had a major impact on you. Those things can be good or bad, victories or defeats, it doesn’t matter. Make the category as broad as you like.
As you look at your list, ask God to show you what patterns are at work. What is God teaching you? What lessons seem to come up again and again? What have learned about yourself (positively and negatively) this year? Now focus on the Lord. What have you learned about God’s character this year? Ask the Lord for insight as to where he might be leading you in the year to come. Use all of this as the basis for some personal prayer requests as you enter 2011. If you do this exercise with an open heart, God will meet you and show you fresh insights that will give you insight about the past and hope for the future.
Mary pondered what God had been doing in her life. That’s a helpful practice for all of us to follow.
4. “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told” (Luke 2:20).
The final verse tells us that the shepherds were profoundly changed by what they had experienced. What a difference a day makes. On the day before Christ was born, they were in the fields tending their sheep. On the day after he was born, they were back in the fields once again. Only this time their hearts were filled with praise to God and the amazing things they had seen and heard. And they simply couldn’t stop talking about what they had seen and heard.
And note where they did it. The text does not say that they glorified God in the temple, though that would have been appropriate. No, it says they “returned” to where they had been. Back to the tiring and unappreciated work of caring for sheep. Having seen the Babe in the manger, it was time to go back to work.
And so they did. And so must we. Christmas eventually ends for all of us. Soon enough we will take down the tree, pack away the ornaments, and either use our gifts or take them back to the store to be exchanged. In a few days the children will go back to school and life will return to normal.
But will we be changed by Christmas? Or will it be business as usual in 2011? For the shepherds, life would never be the same. Oh yes, the work was the same but they were different. They went back with new zeal, new joy, and new love for God in their hearts.
People sometimes wish they could keep the Christmas spirit all year long. Would you like Christmas to last all year long? It can if you will do what the shepherds did. Go back to where you came from.
Back to your office. Back to your factory. Back to your job. Back to your family duties.
Go back to the humdrum of daily routine. And as you go back, glorify God and praise him. That is what the shepherds did. Christmas didn’t change their circumstances, but it changed them deeply and profoundly. And because it changed them, it changed the way they approached their daily work. Yes, they still had to deal with cranky sheep and sometimes they had to step in sheep manure, but that hardly mattered now. They had seen the Christ child.
Have you seen Jesus this year at Christmastime? If you have, then go back to what you were doing before and take the memory of Christmas with you. Glorify God and praise him as you go about your routine and you will find your days filled with joy.
How shall we celebrate Christmas now that Christmas is past? By following the inspired outline in Luke 2:17-20.
WHEN GOD MESSES WITH YOUR PLANS
WHEN GOD MESSES WITH YOUR PLANS
Matthew 1:18-25
Let’s take a look at the marriage of Joseph and Mary:
Engagements were handled differently in those days than they are now. Marriages were pre-arranged by the parents, often when the kids were only infants. But, there had to come a point, when the couple became aware of the engagement, and began to make their plans!
Imagine young Joseph. The wedding date is approaching, and he is making preparations. We can see Mary. The date every young lady lives for is just about here. She is so excited as she and her parents make the wedding plans. She and Joseph have such dreams for their lives together. But then,
But then GOD MESSED WITH THEIR PLANS!
It was not ever in their goals for Mary to become pregnant before their wedding night. And certainly, the idea of becoming pregnant miraculously and giving birth to the Lord Jesus Christ was not the foremost of their thinking. Mary's reaction to the news was one of perplexity. She asks in Luke 1:34; "How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
Joseph's reaction was a little different. He has a decision to make. Should he believe that Mary has been faithful to him and that she had miraculously become pregnant with the Son of God? Or should he decide to break off the engagement? Of course, you know the rest of the story. They did get married, did give birth to the Messiah, and the rest is history!
Let’s look at three things based upon this Biblical scene:
I. GOD DIDN'T ASK JOSEPH AND MARY-HE TOLD THEM!
We can not find any passage where the angel announcing God's plan, asks Mary or Joseph
if this is acceptable with them! God simply told them His plan and will for their lives!
"How many of you are doing what you planned on doing when say, you were in 7th grade?"
(Most of us aren't doing what we thought we would be doing when we graduated from High
School!) Quite often the majority of the plans we had as a young person are radically different than what has really come to pass.
Some of the plans have changed because we have changed my decisions and desires. But other plans were changed because of circumstances beyond our control: God messed with our plans! And God has never asked us when He has chosen to put those circumstances into our life!
Listen, God has a plan for your life. He made that plan before He created the world and He has no intention of asking your permission to proceed with His plan! Now, you can choose not to obey His will, But you cannot change His will for your life!
II. GOD'S PLAN FOR MARY AND JOSEPH WAS NOT AN EASY ONE.
Sometimes we think that if we are in the will of God, everything will be a bed of roses and life will be without trial or difficulty. That was not the case for Joseph and Mary.
Consider the following:
1. Why didn't God work it out so the Caesar’s tax was collected after the Baby was born? He could have done that couldn't He? Really, having a woman, who was so pregnant that she just barely got to Bethlehem before she had the baby, travel this far on a donkey! This would not have been easy. Surely God could have worked things out better than that!
2. The baby was born in a manger because there was no room in the Inn. Again, can’t you
see the young couple's frustration as, after traveling that far, Mary is exhausted and ready to deliver, AND THEY CAN NOT FIND ANY PLACE COMFORTABLE EVEN TO TAKE HER! Now, God is a sovereign God. He is able to do anything He wills. He obviously has willed that there is no room in the Inn! He isn't making it easy for them, even though they are obeying the will of God for their lives.
3. Why were they forced to flee Bethlehem to Egypt because of the threat of King Herod.
Again, we can see the hand of God at work because He warned them of the danger so they
could flee. Why didn't he just make the King's heart soften so they would have to flee at all? Especially since all the babies 2 years old and younger were killed by Herod's men after Mary and Joseph were gone. The Baby was about 2 year's old when they went to Egypt. And that would not have been an easy trip to make!
4. Then, after all of this, somewhere between when Joseph took his family back to Nazareth
and when Jesus became 30 years old, Joseph died. Jesus had to become the head of
the home, taking care of his mother and his half brothers and sisters. We make a terrible
error in our concept of Christianity when we believe that God makes life easy when we are
in is will and that the easy way is God's way. Take for instance Jesus' message about the
two roads: “For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
When we choose the way that looks the easiest, we aren't necessarily choosing the way that is the will of God! Christ chose a path that led to the cross. Paul chose a path that led to imprisonment and execution. But both chose paths that were in the plan of God for them! God does not promise us an easy trip. He promises to be with us as we take it!
Need a verse? Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
III. THOUGH THINGS WERE DIFFICULT, GOD DID BLESS.
1. They wondered at the child as he grew. Look at these verses in Luke 2:52: "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
Luke 2:49-51: “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
2. Ultimately, Jesus grew up to be a blessing to the whole world! Any parent is blessed
when their child grows up to be a person of influence and importance in the world. More
parents are blessed if their kid grows up to do something good for mankind. Now we know that Joseph was gone by this time, but can you imagine the blessing Mary must have
experienced when her firstborn son, Jesus Christ, rose victorious over death and the grave? Can you imagine what she must have felt like as she watched Him ascend visibly, bodily, and gradually into heaven! Can you imagine the excitement in her soul when she realized, THAT HER SON HAD OPENED THE DOOR TO HEAVEN FOR ALL WHO WOULD ACCEPT HIM AND RECEIVE HIM AS SAVIOUR?
God's plan for our lives isn't always an easy one. But it is a plan that will lead to our being a blessing to many. Even if His plan is an early death. He is going to use that in some way ultimately to bring more people to a saving knowledge of the truth. God's plan for Fanny Crosby was that a doctor would give her the wrong medicine when she was a baby, resulting in her blindness. Rather than growing bitter, Fanny Crosby used her condition to make her more spiritually sensitive. She wrote some of the most beautiful hymns we sing.
God used the death of H.G. Spafford's four daughters to inspire him to write a great
hymn, All Is Well With My Soul. Spafford's wife and kids were one a ship to England, and he was going to join them there in a short time. However, the ship with his family on board sank. His wife was saved, but his kids all died. Back home, Spafford awaited news as to the fate of
his family, and when it finally came, it was a telegram from his wife simply saying,
"Saved, Alone." Spafford, while mourning their deaths wrote these words,
"When peace like a river attendeth my way.
when sorrow like sea billows role.
Whatever my lot thou has taught me to say,
it is well it is well with my soul!"
God didn't ask Spafford if it was ok to make that part of his plan for him. And we can be sure
Spafford didn't plan it for himself. But as difficult as God's plan was, it has resulted in something that has blessed countless numbers of suffering souls since it was written!
And, while we may not think our circumstances are nearly that tragic. Nor our influence nearly that far-reaching. The truth of it is if we will agree to follow God’s plan, no matter how difficult, eternity will record an impact for good because of it.
Matthew 1:18-25
Let’s take a look at the marriage of Joseph and Mary:
Engagements were handled differently in those days than they are now. Marriages were pre-arranged by the parents, often when the kids were only infants. But, there had to come a point, when the couple became aware of the engagement, and began to make their plans!
Imagine young Joseph. The wedding date is approaching, and he is making preparations. We can see Mary. The date every young lady lives for is just about here. She is so excited as she and her parents make the wedding plans. She and Joseph have such dreams for their lives together. But then,
But then GOD MESSED WITH THEIR PLANS!
It was not ever in their goals for Mary to become pregnant before their wedding night. And certainly, the idea of becoming pregnant miraculously and giving birth to the Lord Jesus Christ was not the foremost of their thinking. Mary's reaction to the news was one of perplexity. She asks in Luke 1:34; "How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
Joseph's reaction was a little different. He has a decision to make. Should he believe that Mary has been faithful to him and that she had miraculously become pregnant with the Son of God? Or should he decide to break off the engagement? Of course, you know the rest of the story. They did get married, did give birth to the Messiah, and the rest is history!
Let’s look at three things based upon this Biblical scene:
I. GOD DIDN'T ASK JOSEPH AND MARY-HE TOLD THEM!
We can not find any passage where the angel announcing God's plan, asks Mary or Joseph
if this is acceptable with them! God simply told them His plan and will for their lives!
"How many of you are doing what you planned on doing when say, you were in 7th grade?"
(Most of us aren't doing what we thought we would be doing when we graduated from High
School!) Quite often the majority of the plans we had as a young person are radically different than what has really come to pass.
Some of the plans have changed because we have changed my decisions and desires. But other plans were changed because of circumstances beyond our control: God messed with our plans! And God has never asked us when He has chosen to put those circumstances into our life!
Listen, God has a plan for your life. He made that plan before He created the world and He has no intention of asking your permission to proceed with His plan! Now, you can choose not to obey His will, But you cannot change His will for your life!
II. GOD'S PLAN FOR MARY AND JOSEPH WAS NOT AN EASY ONE.
Sometimes we think that if we are in the will of God, everything will be a bed of roses and life will be without trial or difficulty. That was not the case for Joseph and Mary.
Consider the following:
1. Why didn't God work it out so the Caesar’s tax was collected after the Baby was born? He could have done that couldn't He? Really, having a woman, who was so pregnant that she just barely got to Bethlehem before she had the baby, travel this far on a donkey! This would not have been easy. Surely God could have worked things out better than that!
2. The baby was born in a manger because there was no room in the Inn. Again, can’t you
see the young couple's frustration as, after traveling that far, Mary is exhausted and ready to deliver, AND THEY CAN NOT FIND ANY PLACE COMFORTABLE EVEN TO TAKE HER! Now, God is a sovereign God. He is able to do anything He wills. He obviously has willed that there is no room in the Inn! He isn't making it easy for them, even though they are obeying the will of God for their lives.
3. Why were they forced to flee Bethlehem to Egypt because of the threat of King Herod.
Again, we can see the hand of God at work because He warned them of the danger so they
could flee. Why didn't he just make the King's heart soften so they would have to flee at all? Especially since all the babies 2 years old and younger were killed by Herod's men after Mary and Joseph were gone. The Baby was about 2 year's old when they went to Egypt. And that would not have been an easy trip to make!
4. Then, after all of this, somewhere between when Joseph took his family back to Nazareth
and when Jesus became 30 years old, Joseph died. Jesus had to become the head of
the home, taking care of his mother and his half brothers and sisters. We make a terrible
error in our concept of Christianity when we believe that God makes life easy when we are
in is will and that the easy way is God's way. Take for instance Jesus' message about the
two roads: “For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
When we choose the way that looks the easiest, we aren't necessarily choosing the way that is the will of God! Christ chose a path that led to the cross. Paul chose a path that led to imprisonment and execution. But both chose paths that were in the plan of God for them! God does not promise us an easy trip. He promises to be with us as we take it!
Need a verse? Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
III. THOUGH THINGS WERE DIFFICULT, GOD DID BLESS.
1. They wondered at the child as he grew. Look at these verses in Luke 2:52: "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
Luke 2:49-51: “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
2. Ultimately, Jesus grew up to be a blessing to the whole world! Any parent is blessed
when their child grows up to be a person of influence and importance in the world. More
parents are blessed if their kid grows up to do something good for mankind. Now we know that Joseph was gone by this time, but can you imagine the blessing Mary must have
experienced when her firstborn son, Jesus Christ, rose victorious over death and the grave? Can you imagine what she must have felt like as she watched Him ascend visibly, bodily, and gradually into heaven! Can you imagine the excitement in her soul when she realized, THAT HER SON HAD OPENED THE DOOR TO HEAVEN FOR ALL WHO WOULD ACCEPT HIM AND RECEIVE HIM AS SAVIOUR?
God's plan for our lives isn't always an easy one. But it is a plan that will lead to our being a blessing to many. Even if His plan is an early death. He is going to use that in some way ultimately to bring more people to a saving knowledge of the truth. God's plan for Fanny Crosby was that a doctor would give her the wrong medicine when she was a baby, resulting in her blindness. Rather than growing bitter, Fanny Crosby used her condition to make her more spiritually sensitive. She wrote some of the most beautiful hymns we sing.
God used the death of H.G. Spafford's four daughters to inspire him to write a great
hymn, All Is Well With My Soul. Spafford's wife and kids were one a ship to England, and he was going to join them there in a short time. However, the ship with his family on board sank. His wife was saved, but his kids all died. Back home, Spafford awaited news as to the fate of
his family, and when it finally came, it was a telegram from his wife simply saying,
"Saved, Alone." Spafford, while mourning their deaths wrote these words,
"When peace like a river attendeth my way.
when sorrow like sea billows role.
Whatever my lot thou has taught me to say,
it is well it is well with my soul!"
God didn't ask Spafford if it was ok to make that part of his plan for him. And we can be sure
Spafford didn't plan it for himself. But as difficult as God's plan was, it has resulted in something that has blessed countless numbers of suffering souls since it was written!
And, while we may not think our circumstances are nearly that tragic. Nor our influence nearly that far-reaching. The truth of it is if we will agree to follow God’s plan, no matter how difficult, eternity will record an impact for good because of it.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Where’s the Line to See Jesus?
Last year while at the mall with his mom and grandpa, a four-year-old boy watched as children lined up excitedly to see Santa Claus. Having been taught as a toddler that Christmas is the holiday that Christians celebrate the birth of God’s Son, with the innocence of a child, he asked his mom, “Where’s the line to see Jesus? If Christmas is Jesus’ birthday, why don’t we see him more?”
Overhearing, his grandpa was so proud that little Spencer understood the true meaning of Christmas at such a tender age. But both mother and grandfather—Becky Kelly and Steve Haut—were so struck by the profoundness of this little boy’s question and the message inherent within it that they collaborated together to write and record a song based on the experience. Click ling to see video and hear song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OExXItDyWEY
Where’s the Line to See Jesus?
Christmas time was approaching, the snow is starting to fall,
Shoppers choosing their presents, people filling the mall,
Children waiting for Santa with excitement and glee.
A little boy tugged my sweater, looked up and asked me,
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus? He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave His life for me.
As I stood in amazement at this message profound,
I looked down to thank him, he was no where around.
The little boy at the mall might as well have had wings
As the tears filled my eyes, I thought I heard him say,
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus? He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave His life for me.
In the blink of an eye, at the sound of His trump,
We'll all stand in line at His throne.
Every knee shall bow down, every tongue will confess,
That Jesus Christ is Lord.
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus? He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave His life for me.
Out of the mouths of babes sometimes come profound truths that many adults cannot understand. You know, the Bible tells the story of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:1-21.
On that first Christmas morning there was a line to see Jesus -- shepherds and angels all gathered to see the newborn King lying in a manger. Today, as Christmas approaches, however, impatient shoppers stand in line at the check out aisles, children line up to see Santa, but—as little Spencer asked—where’s the line to see Jesus? If Christmas time is the celebration of his birth, then why don’t we see him more?
More and more lately, we see less and less of Christ in Christmas.
Countless retailers all over the country refuse to even acknowledge Christmas. Sure, they’re happy to take your money, but they’d rather not use the word Christmas. You’ll see signs that say “Happy Holidays” or “Holiday Sale” or even “Holiday Trees.”
Retailers aren’t the only ones who are trying to eliminate Christ from Christmas though. Certain Christian circles are working just as hard to do the same thing. A pastor received an e-mail from his alma mater—Freed-Hardeman University. Just because I was curious about this school, I “googled” it. Here what it says about itself – A Private Christian School. Here is what the email said:
“Seasons greetings from your Freed-Hardeman University family and friends. May this holiday season bring you cheer and hope as you celebrate your family, your blessings and the love you have for one another. May the peace and joy of the holiday season be with you throughout the coming new year. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year.”
Do you see anything missing from this message? Where’s Christ? Where’s Christmas? And this is from a Christian college and seminary. They let Christ out for a reason, though. They teach that Christians shouldn’t celebrate Christmas since: the Bible doesn’t mention Christmas, Jesus wasn’t even born on December 25th, it was pagan holiday, there’s no Scriptural authority to celebrate Jesus’ birthday, etc.
Well, there’s no Scriptural authority to celebrate your birthday either, but we still let you have a party, don’t we? The truth is—yes, December 25th was originally a pagan festival celebrating the birthday of the Sun god, Apollo. But, what is often overlooked is that the early church chose that day intentionally. Rather than Christianizing a pagan celebration, they established a rival celebration of the birth of Jesus—the true Son of God. While the world has all but forgotten the Greco-Roman gods of those days, it is annually reminded that two thousand years ago Christ invaded time and space. The birth of Jesus gives all of heaven and earth cause to celebrate! The celebration began in the stable and Christian need to carry on that celebration until he comes again!
When it comes down to it, though—we’re all responsible for removing Christ from Christmas. We get lost in the maze of convoluted commerce and commercialism. We allow ourselves to be swept up in the buying, bidding, wrapping, packing, and distributing of gifts that we forget what the true gift of Christmas really is—Jesus.
The message of the manger is that, in the words of Becky Kelly, Jesus “was born just for me; Santa Claus gave me presents, but Christ gave his life for me.”
This year, just like every year, millions of people, both children and adults, will open millions of gifts. Some won’t fit. Some will be the wrong color. Many will be returned or exchanged. But there’s one gift that meets everyone’s need, one gift that will never wear out, never break or need repairing. A gift that is appropriate for a small child, or a teenager, or an adult, or a senior citizen. Boy or girl, man or woman, it makes no difference. The gift we all need, the most valuable gift of all, is that baby lying in the manger. Christmas is a celebration of the fact that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). As the apostle Paul said, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15). Or, as The Living Bible puts it: “Thank God for his Son—his Gift too wonderful for words”.
When Mary touched the face her new born baby boy, she was touching the face of God. When she held her precious child in her arms, she was holding the greatest gift ever given—not just to her, but to all mankind throughout all of history. As you give and receive gifts this Christmas, let it be a reminder that Jesus has given us the greatest gift of all—he gave us himself.
And let’s never forget that one day we will all stand in line to see Jesus. As the song says, “In the blink of an eye, at the sound of his trump, we’ll all stand in line at his throne.” The Bible tells us that one day “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow ….., and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord” Philippians 2:10-11.
Do you know why Christmas trees are evergreen trees? It’s because, in 16th century Germany, Christians would decorate evergreens with apples to represent the tree of life awaiting us in heaven The Bible tells us that it will be forever green, yielding its fruit twelve times a year right in the center of the new heaven and earth (Revelation 22:2) —a symbol of the eternal life that we’ll enjoy in God’s presence all because of the birth of a that special baby two thousand years ago.
When we finally stand in that line before the throne of Jesus, for those of us who have loved him and surrendered our lives to Him, it will be a day of celebration—the beginning of the very best, the beginning of an eternity with Him.
We all know Christ is the reason for the Christmas season (he’s the reason for EVERY season)! But folks, unless you’ve accepted the gift that he’s given—unless you’ve received Jesus (In other words, opened the gift.), known him as friend and Savior, unless you return the love that he has so graciously lavished upon us—then you’ve missed the real meaning of Christmas. Christmas should always be a reminder of the day Jesus stepped out of eternity and into his mothers arms, the day when shepherds and angels all lined up to see Jesus.
Don’t miss it!
Overhearing, his grandpa was so proud that little Spencer understood the true meaning of Christmas at such a tender age. But both mother and grandfather—Becky Kelly and Steve Haut—were so struck by the profoundness of this little boy’s question and the message inherent within it that they collaborated together to write and record a song based on the experience. Click ling to see video and hear song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OExXItDyWEY
Where’s the Line to See Jesus?
Christmas time was approaching, the snow is starting to fall,
Shoppers choosing their presents, people filling the mall,
Children waiting for Santa with excitement and glee.
A little boy tugged my sweater, looked up and asked me,
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus? He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave His life for me.
As I stood in amazement at this message profound,
I looked down to thank him, he was no where around.
The little boy at the mall might as well have had wings
As the tears filled my eyes, I thought I heard him say,
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus? He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave His life for me.
In the blink of an eye, at the sound of His trump,
We'll all stand in line at His throne.
Every knee shall bow down, every tongue will confess,
That Jesus Christ is Lord.
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus? He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave His life for me.
Out of the mouths of babes sometimes come profound truths that many adults cannot understand. You know, the Bible tells the story of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:1-21.
On that first Christmas morning there was a line to see Jesus -- shepherds and angels all gathered to see the newborn King lying in a manger. Today, as Christmas approaches, however, impatient shoppers stand in line at the check out aisles, children line up to see Santa, but—as little Spencer asked—where’s the line to see Jesus? If Christmas time is the celebration of his birth, then why don’t we see him more?
More and more lately, we see less and less of Christ in Christmas.
Countless retailers all over the country refuse to even acknowledge Christmas. Sure, they’re happy to take your money, but they’d rather not use the word Christmas. You’ll see signs that say “Happy Holidays” or “Holiday Sale” or even “Holiday Trees.”
Retailers aren’t the only ones who are trying to eliminate Christ from Christmas though. Certain Christian circles are working just as hard to do the same thing. A pastor received an e-mail from his alma mater—Freed-Hardeman University. Just because I was curious about this school, I “googled” it. Here what it says about itself – A Private Christian School. Here is what the email said:
“Seasons greetings from your Freed-Hardeman University family and friends. May this holiday season bring you cheer and hope as you celebrate your family, your blessings and the love you have for one another. May the peace and joy of the holiday season be with you throughout the coming new year. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year.”
Do you see anything missing from this message? Where’s Christ? Where’s Christmas? And this is from a Christian college and seminary. They let Christ out for a reason, though. They teach that Christians shouldn’t celebrate Christmas since: the Bible doesn’t mention Christmas, Jesus wasn’t even born on December 25th, it was pagan holiday, there’s no Scriptural authority to celebrate Jesus’ birthday, etc.
Well, there’s no Scriptural authority to celebrate your birthday either, but we still let you have a party, don’t we? The truth is—yes, December 25th was originally a pagan festival celebrating the birthday of the Sun god, Apollo. But, what is often overlooked is that the early church chose that day intentionally. Rather than Christianizing a pagan celebration, they established a rival celebration of the birth of Jesus—the true Son of God. While the world has all but forgotten the Greco-Roman gods of those days, it is annually reminded that two thousand years ago Christ invaded time and space. The birth of Jesus gives all of heaven and earth cause to celebrate! The celebration began in the stable and Christian need to carry on that celebration until he comes again!
When it comes down to it, though—we’re all responsible for removing Christ from Christmas. We get lost in the maze of convoluted commerce and commercialism. We allow ourselves to be swept up in the buying, bidding, wrapping, packing, and distributing of gifts that we forget what the true gift of Christmas really is—Jesus.
The message of the manger is that, in the words of Becky Kelly, Jesus “was born just for me; Santa Claus gave me presents, but Christ gave his life for me.”
This year, just like every year, millions of people, both children and adults, will open millions of gifts. Some won’t fit. Some will be the wrong color. Many will be returned or exchanged. But there’s one gift that meets everyone’s need, one gift that will never wear out, never break or need repairing. A gift that is appropriate for a small child, or a teenager, or an adult, or a senior citizen. Boy or girl, man or woman, it makes no difference. The gift we all need, the most valuable gift of all, is that baby lying in the manger. Christmas is a celebration of the fact that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). As the apostle Paul said, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15). Or, as The Living Bible puts it: “Thank God for his Son—his Gift too wonderful for words”.
When Mary touched the face her new born baby boy, she was touching the face of God. When she held her precious child in her arms, she was holding the greatest gift ever given—not just to her, but to all mankind throughout all of history. As you give and receive gifts this Christmas, let it be a reminder that Jesus has given us the greatest gift of all—he gave us himself.
And let’s never forget that one day we will all stand in line to see Jesus. As the song says, “In the blink of an eye, at the sound of his trump, we’ll all stand in line at his throne.” The Bible tells us that one day “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow ….., and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord” Philippians 2:10-11.
Do you know why Christmas trees are evergreen trees? It’s because, in 16th century Germany, Christians would decorate evergreens with apples to represent the tree of life awaiting us in heaven The Bible tells us that it will be forever green, yielding its fruit twelve times a year right in the center of the new heaven and earth (Revelation 22:2) —a symbol of the eternal life that we’ll enjoy in God’s presence all because of the birth of a that special baby two thousand years ago.
When we finally stand in that line before the throne of Jesus, for those of us who have loved him and surrendered our lives to Him, it will be a day of celebration—the beginning of the very best, the beginning of an eternity with Him.
We all know Christ is the reason for the Christmas season (he’s the reason for EVERY season)! But folks, unless you’ve accepted the gift that he’s given—unless you’ve received Jesus (In other words, opened the gift.), known him as friend and Savior, unless you return the love that he has so graciously lavished upon us—then you’ve missed the real meaning of Christmas. Christmas should always be a reminder of the day Jesus stepped out of eternity and into his mothers arms, the day when shepherds and angels all lined up to see Jesus.
Don’t miss it!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Sure Thing!
If you want to know for sure that you are saved and have a relationship with Jesus this is a great sermon. It is 30 minutes.
This week's lesson was a sermon by Dr. James Merritt from CrossPointe Church in Georgia. To watch it click the link below, scroll down to you see 2010, then scroll over until you see November, click November then click the sermon Sure Thing? and the video will be in the larger "window" above then you play it like any other video. Sorry for the many steps. I ordered the actual DVD for use in the class so not as complicated to view:
go to the link below: http://www.touchinglives.org/multimedia/video-broadcasts//
This week's lesson was a sermon by Dr. James Merritt from CrossPointe Church in Georgia. To watch it click the link below, scroll down to you see 2010, then scroll over until you see November, click November then click the sermon Sure Thing? and the video will be in the larger "window" above then you play it like any other video. Sorry for the many steps. I ordered the actual DVD for use in the class so not as complicated to view:
go to the link below: http://www.touchinglives.org/multimedia/video-broadcasts//
Monday, November 29, 2010
When You Question God's Love!
“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” Jeremiah 31:3
Have you ever had to be around someone who did not like you? Someone at work or at school or at church or in your own family … and you had to spend time with him or her. It is awkward and uncomfortable, isn't it? It is something that you dread, isn't it? Let's face it. We do not like to be around people who are disappointed, disgusted, and displeased with us. We shy away from encounters with those who don't like us very much.
A major reason so many people spend so little quality time with God is because, deep down, they do not think God likes them very much. Sure, they know in their head that He loves them, but they are pretty sure He is displeased and disappointed with them most of the time. It is a chore—not a joy—to spend time with the Lord when you believe He is negative toward you.
Nothing could be further from the truth. God thinks you are terrific! He thinks you hung the moon (well, actually He did, but you get the point). He has your picture in His wallet and your name on His lips. He thinks about you all the time and loves to spend time with you. He loves you with an everlasting love! He calls you His “special treasure” (Exodus 19:5).
"But you don't understand. I have so much sin in my heart. How could God be anything but displeased with me?" Remember, God is displeased with sinful actions, but He is not displeased with you. There is a big difference between the two.
God has blessed me with a wonderful grandson. I am so proud of him and love to spend time with him. I think about him with joy, not disgust. Does he ever do things that displeases me? Have I needed to discipline him for disobedience? Yes … but I am never displeased with him, just displeased with his actions from time to time. I would love him no matter what he did. He is my grandson … and I am well pleased with him. So it is with God and His children.
It is time for you to believe and receive the truth. Jesus said, "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32). If you've asked Christ to come live in your heart, you are a child of God. And God is inviting you to spend time with Him … to rest in His unconditional love and enjoy it! He wants you to know that He not only loves you, but He likes you and thinks the world of you. He wants to be your best friend. What do you say to that?
The hardest lesson to learn is “For God so loved the world“ John 3:16
When you were little, most of you were taught this familiar little song: "Jesus Loves Me This I Know, for the Bible Tells Me So." What a simple message, easy enough for a child to understand. But the sad reality is this: so many people have trouble believing it is true.
Often it is very easy to start thinking that God accepts and loves us on the basis of performance. We are quick to adopt the "daisy theology": "He loves me, He loves me not." We tend to think, God loves me if I am obeying Him, but He doesn't love me if I am failing Him. Your feelings may tell you that this is a true statement, but we need to know it is a lie! Regardless of our behavior or performance, God loves us!
The day Jesus began His public ministry, the father's voice thundered from heaven as soon as Jesus was baptized, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17). How amazing; how significant! Before Jesus had performed one miracle, the Father publicly set His love and approval on Him. Do you see the principle? God does not love you based on your performance. He loves you because He chose to love you, regardless of your performance.
If we know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we are “called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). And God loves His children, every one of them. He has no favorites, only intimates (close acquaintance, association, or familiarity.). And the intimates are those who have learned to believe and receive His love for them and act accordingly.
Do you want to know the secret to pleasing God and living a life of obedience to His commandments? It all has to do with believing and receiving His great love for you. When you understand how much He really loves you, you can't help but really love Him back. “He loved us first". (1 John 4:19). And when you really love Him back, you obey Him. "Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me." (John 14:21).
The key is love. It is all about love, God's love for you and your response of love for Him. That is why Jude earnestly pleads, "keep yourselves in God’s love". (Jude 1:21). The love of God is the cornerstone of a victorious and thrilling Christian life.
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars,
which You have ordained; what is man that You take thought of him? And the son of man, that You care for him? —Psalm 8:3-4
Do you ever would look up into the night sky, see all the stars and think about the greatness of God. How small do you feel when compared to the vastness of the universe? David said, "Wow, Lord. Who am I that you would care for me or even give me a thought? You are so awesome, and I am so insignificant."
God is so much greater than our minds could ever comprehend. He created all that we see, all that the highest-powered telescopes can reveal, just by the power of His Word. He simply spoke it all into existence. Wow!
And here is the even more amazing part – He loves us!!! We matter to Him. He thinks about us all the time. His thoughts toward you and me outnumber the sand on the seashore (Psalm 139:18). How cool is that?
Why does God love you and me so much? Why did He send His Son to die such a horrible death for us on the cross? It is not because you and I are so wonderful; the Bible says “it was simply that the LORD loves you”. (Deuteronomy 7:6-9). The Scripture clearly tells us, "God is love". (1 John 4:8). Love is a big part of His nature.
God chose to love us regardless of who we are or what we do. Because it was God's choice, it is not dependent on you and me. Talk about getting off the performance-based acceptance train! Here is truth to put in your heart: There is nothing you can do to get God to love you any more than He already does, and there is nothing you can do to get God to love you any less than He already does. He just loves you!
Our job is to receive His love and rejoice in His love. Obedience to His commands comes when you realize that everything God tells us to do or not to do is for our greatest good. The God who loves us says yes to some things and no to other things. His commandments are not given to deprive us; they are given to bless us, because every one of them is given in love.
Believe it or not we are loved. Jesus said “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.” John 15:9 The sooner you believe and receive God's great love for you, the better you will be.
What happens to a person who truly believes and receives God's great love?
That person feels a tremendous sense of acceptance and peace.
That person will be free to love the Lord back.
That person will be free to love other people (see Romans 5:5).
That person will be able to face life with joy and a song in his or her heart.
That person will see difficult circumstances as an opportunity for Jesus to shine.
We have to continually remind ourselves of the truth of God's love, because we can easily see all our shortcomings and conclude that there is no way He could love us. We can easily start focusing on all the negative circumstances in our lives and conclude that all these difficulties are arising because He does not love us. Those are lies from the devil!
God truly loves us … and nothing can ever change that (see Romans 8:38-39). He has purchased us with His own blood, and He has a special and wonderful plan for us. We choose to believe and receive His love and reject the devil's lies. And because He loves us, He never fails to work all things together for good in our life.
Remember our number-one job as His child is to keep ourselves in His love … and love Him back with all that we are. If we do this each day, we will be led by His Spirit, and our life will be a great success in His eyes.
HomeworkTonight, go outside and look up into the starry sky. Consider His heavens. Consider how great He is. Then, remember that the awesome God who made all that you see knows your name. He knows your circumstances. He knows your victories and your struggles. He knows everything there is to know about you, and He loves you still.
Share your hopes, dreams, worries, and fears with Him. Tell Him that you love Him. Cast all your cares upon Him, because He really does care for you (1 Peter 5:7)! Remember this great word from Isaiah the Prophet, "For since the world began, no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like You, who works for those who wait for Him" (Isaiah 64:4 NLT)! He truly will work in the hearts of those who will look to Him and wait for Him. Will you do it?
Have you ever had to be around someone who did not like you? Someone at work or at school or at church or in your own family … and you had to spend time with him or her. It is awkward and uncomfortable, isn't it? It is something that you dread, isn't it? Let's face it. We do not like to be around people who are disappointed, disgusted, and displeased with us. We shy away from encounters with those who don't like us very much.
A major reason so many people spend so little quality time with God is because, deep down, they do not think God likes them very much. Sure, they know in their head that He loves them, but they are pretty sure He is displeased and disappointed with them most of the time. It is a chore—not a joy—to spend time with the Lord when you believe He is negative toward you.
Nothing could be further from the truth. God thinks you are terrific! He thinks you hung the moon (well, actually He did, but you get the point). He has your picture in His wallet and your name on His lips. He thinks about you all the time and loves to spend time with you. He loves you with an everlasting love! He calls you His “special treasure” (Exodus 19:5).
"But you don't understand. I have so much sin in my heart. How could God be anything but displeased with me?" Remember, God is displeased with sinful actions, but He is not displeased with you. There is a big difference between the two.
God has blessed me with a wonderful grandson. I am so proud of him and love to spend time with him. I think about him with joy, not disgust. Does he ever do things that displeases me? Have I needed to discipline him for disobedience? Yes … but I am never displeased with him, just displeased with his actions from time to time. I would love him no matter what he did. He is my grandson … and I am well pleased with him. So it is with God and His children.
It is time for you to believe and receive the truth. Jesus said, "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32). If you've asked Christ to come live in your heart, you are a child of God. And God is inviting you to spend time with Him … to rest in His unconditional love and enjoy it! He wants you to know that He not only loves you, but He likes you and thinks the world of you. He wants to be your best friend. What do you say to that?
The hardest lesson to learn is “For God so loved the world“ John 3:16
When you were little, most of you were taught this familiar little song: "Jesus Loves Me This I Know, for the Bible Tells Me So." What a simple message, easy enough for a child to understand. But the sad reality is this: so many people have trouble believing it is true.
Often it is very easy to start thinking that God accepts and loves us on the basis of performance. We are quick to adopt the "daisy theology": "He loves me, He loves me not." We tend to think, God loves me if I am obeying Him, but He doesn't love me if I am failing Him. Your feelings may tell you that this is a true statement, but we need to know it is a lie! Regardless of our behavior or performance, God loves us!
The day Jesus began His public ministry, the father's voice thundered from heaven as soon as Jesus was baptized, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17). How amazing; how significant! Before Jesus had performed one miracle, the Father publicly set His love and approval on Him. Do you see the principle? God does not love you based on your performance. He loves you because He chose to love you, regardless of your performance.
If we know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we are “called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). And God loves His children, every one of them. He has no favorites, only intimates (close acquaintance, association, or familiarity.). And the intimates are those who have learned to believe and receive His love for them and act accordingly.
Do you want to know the secret to pleasing God and living a life of obedience to His commandments? It all has to do with believing and receiving His great love for you. When you understand how much He really loves you, you can't help but really love Him back. “He loved us first". (1 John 4:19). And when you really love Him back, you obey Him. "Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me." (John 14:21).
The key is love. It is all about love, God's love for you and your response of love for Him. That is why Jude earnestly pleads, "keep yourselves in God’s love". (Jude 1:21). The love of God is the cornerstone of a victorious and thrilling Christian life.
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars,
which You have ordained; what is man that You take thought of him? And the son of man, that You care for him? —Psalm 8:3-4
Do you ever would look up into the night sky, see all the stars and think about the greatness of God. How small do you feel when compared to the vastness of the universe? David said, "Wow, Lord. Who am I that you would care for me or even give me a thought? You are so awesome, and I am so insignificant."
God is so much greater than our minds could ever comprehend. He created all that we see, all that the highest-powered telescopes can reveal, just by the power of His Word. He simply spoke it all into existence. Wow!
And here is the even more amazing part – He loves us!!! We matter to Him. He thinks about us all the time. His thoughts toward you and me outnumber the sand on the seashore (Psalm 139:18). How cool is that?
Why does God love you and me so much? Why did He send His Son to die such a horrible death for us on the cross? It is not because you and I are so wonderful; the Bible says “it was simply that the LORD loves you”. (Deuteronomy 7:6-9). The Scripture clearly tells us, "God is love". (1 John 4:8). Love is a big part of His nature.
God chose to love us regardless of who we are or what we do. Because it was God's choice, it is not dependent on you and me. Talk about getting off the performance-based acceptance train! Here is truth to put in your heart: There is nothing you can do to get God to love you any more than He already does, and there is nothing you can do to get God to love you any less than He already does. He just loves you!
Our job is to receive His love and rejoice in His love. Obedience to His commands comes when you realize that everything God tells us to do or not to do is for our greatest good. The God who loves us says yes to some things and no to other things. His commandments are not given to deprive us; they are given to bless us, because every one of them is given in love.
Believe it or not we are loved. Jesus said “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.” John 15:9 The sooner you believe and receive God's great love for you, the better you will be.
What happens to a person who truly believes and receives God's great love?
That person feels a tremendous sense of acceptance and peace.
That person will be free to love the Lord back.
That person will be free to love other people (see Romans 5:5).
That person will be able to face life with joy and a song in his or her heart.
That person will see difficult circumstances as an opportunity for Jesus to shine.
We have to continually remind ourselves of the truth of God's love, because we can easily see all our shortcomings and conclude that there is no way He could love us. We can easily start focusing on all the negative circumstances in our lives and conclude that all these difficulties are arising because He does not love us. Those are lies from the devil!
God truly loves us … and nothing can ever change that (see Romans 8:38-39). He has purchased us with His own blood, and He has a special and wonderful plan for us. We choose to believe and receive His love and reject the devil's lies. And because He loves us, He never fails to work all things together for good in our life.
Remember our number-one job as His child is to keep ourselves in His love … and love Him back with all that we are. If we do this each day, we will be led by His Spirit, and our life will be a great success in His eyes.
HomeworkTonight, go outside and look up into the starry sky. Consider His heavens. Consider how great He is. Then, remember that the awesome God who made all that you see knows your name. He knows your circumstances. He knows your victories and your struggles. He knows everything there is to know about you, and He loves you still.
Share your hopes, dreams, worries, and fears with Him. Tell Him that you love Him. Cast all your cares upon Him, because He really does care for you (1 Peter 5:7)! Remember this great word from Isaiah the Prophet, "For since the world began, no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like You, who works for those who wait for Him" (Isaiah 64:4 NLT)! He truly will work in the hearts of those who will look to Him and wait for Him. Will you do it?
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Whose Yoke are You Wearing?
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matt 11:28-30
This is one of the most beloved passages in the New Testament, and it's the key to rest. You may read this and say, "Yes I'm weary and burdened. Please Jesus, where is my rest?" Yet as you look at the passage more, you realize that there was more to it then just "claiming the promise." Jesus is telling a group of people to "Come to Me." This passage is not just for Christians. God was saying for all to come to HIM.
So this passage reaches out to you those who can't seem to find that missing piece of the puzzle in life, even though you may have religion. This life is wearing you down, and you have a load of guilt and problems that you're carrying on your back, this passage is for you.
You may be a Christian and you're “busy” in some ministry, and yet you still can't seem to find the peace and joy that God has promised. You're almost questioning your own heart and salvation, because you're also weary and carrying a load of problems, this passage is for you.
"Come to Me..."
Jesus is starting off by saying "Come to Me," - God in the flesh, the Messiah who came to bring us salvation, Creator of the heavens and the earth, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings in whose image you were created. Come to the One who said, "I AM the I AM". "I AM the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, the Way, and the Truth, the Resurrection and the Life." And Jesus calls out in love to come to Him, but sometimes this is the last thing that people want to do. They will take ANY other alternative, but Jesus.
We have people who would rather get high and drunk, than to turn to Jesus. They would choose a life in the gutters over a life as a child of the King. They know of Jesus, they believe that God has created them, they believe in heaven and hell, but they still want no part of Him.
And yet Jesus is gently calling out, "Come to Me...," all who are empty inside, all who are tired of their lives, all who are weary from sin. Those who are hurting, or are lonely..."Come to ME." Those who don't feel loved, those in broken lives, "Come to ME." There are no conditions here. He does not say "come if you're clean," or "sinless," "come if your act is all straightened out," "come if you're out of debt." He is not saying "come if you're one of the beautiful people" (thank God), or if your an "intellectual" (thank God again), but He simply is saying come….all who are good and bad, Come to ME."
It's important to remember that God is NOT starting off by saying: Come to church. Come to a pastor. Come to a tradition or a ritual. Come to a Christian psychologist. Come to a religion.
He starts off by saying simply, "Come to Me..."
This is the start of your rest: coming to, or receiving Jesus. The important part to remember is not just believing in Jesus, but receiving Him, asking Him to abide in you and fill you with His Spirit. You could believe that you have a gift in a beautifully wrapped Christmas gift, but unless you open it, receive it, your belief will do nothing for you! The same is true of Jesus. You could believe in Him all you want, but unless you receive Him, your belief is worthless!
There is no rest in any other name or thing, but Jesus, because then you receive your peace with God.
"All Who are Weary..."
God calls those that are weary, those who are to the point of utter exhaustion. You're weary from trying to find God, you have searched religions, rituals and traditions, and you are just plain tired of searching for God. Anyone who goes down this route will assure you that it is wearisome.
You can be weary from the affects of the world beating you down, the alcohol, the drugs, the painful relationships. You're just sick and tired of what is going on. You’re beat down! This can be very depressing and can make you feel like you don't even want to exist!
You can also be weary from trying to serve God on your own resources, or power! You have several ministries and they are just exhausting you. You press on to "serve God until you burnout." For some reason, there is no joy in your ministry, just a persistence to work for God. You have used every bit of your own resources and your wisdom, and you have nothing left to give.
"And Burdened..."
The word for burdened means carrying a load...a load of guilt, or a load of problems. You feel like you lost control of your problems years ago, and you starting to pay now for the choices you have made. You have mounds of bills, or family problems, even health problems, and you wonder where God is in all of this.
Through all of this God is telling us, "I will give you rest." The rest that God is talking about in this passage means: ease, refreshing or relaxation.
Recognizing God in the Storms
Sometimes we act like the disciples in Mark 4:36-41 when the storm came up and Jesus was asleep in the boat. When we are in the middle of a personal storm, where our whole life is being rocked by waves of problems, we think that Jesus is sleeping through our problems and that He does not care about us. “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Even though Jesus was asleep, technically God wasn't really sleeping, because the Scriptures tell us that "He never sleeps nor slumbers." (Psalm 121:4) Yet there are times we think that God is sleeping in the mist of our storms and instead He is right there in the mist of the storm with us!! Once we recognize that Jesus is with us, and that our life and faith is built upon Him, and that He cares for us, we can hear Him say, "Peace, Be Still," to our hearts. Jesus's disciples traveled with Him for three years, and they had to go through the storm to realize that He was the God of the storms. We too have to recognize that God is with us in the storm, no matter how many waves are rocking our lives. When we give Him control of the storm, He simply says, "Peace, Be Still," and then you experience the calm of peace that only He could give.
"Take My Yoke upon You..."
A yoke is a wooden harness that was commonly used in Biblical times to link two animals, usually oxen, together for purposes of plowing and working the fields. Because they were yoked, the animals could then be used together and kept under the master's control. The yoked animals worked together in plowing the land, or each sharing the burdened to be pulled. We ALL have yokes, we are all connected to something. It just depends on what we are yoked or connected to. We could be yoked to drugs or alcohol, we could be yoked to painful relationships or sinful relationships., we could be yoked to work. The list could go on and on!
Jesus is telling us the secret to rest right here. We are to be yoked or connected to HIM. When you are connected to other things but Jesus, God is not in control of your life. Instead, the one who is in control is the one whose yoke you are wearing. So God tells us that in order to have rest, we are to be linked to Him.
To wear God's yoke symbolizes obedience to Him. Jesus said, "If you love Me you will keep My commandments”. God's blessings are found in the path of trustful obedience.
"And Learn from Me, for I Am Gentle and Humble in Heart..."
We should be learning from Jesus by opening up the Bible and seeing what God says to us. And as we spend the quality time in the Scriptures we will learn wondrous things. We need to learn from Jesus, getting to know Him and His Word better. Learn His ways, and His mind in all things. Learn from Jesus how to find rest for your soul.
"And You Will Find Rest for Your Souls..."
Once we submit (there’s that word again!) to God’s will, and learn of Him and spend time with Him, then we will be rested. Sometimes we need to do...sit at the Lord's feet, as Mary did in Luke 10:38-42, listening to what He says!!
"For My Yoke is Easy and My Burden is Light..."
When you are yoked to Jesus, you are no longer carrying the problems, and you are no longer tired and weary because Jesus is carrying your load, your just walking with HIM!! So a ministry becomes a joy when it's not you doing it, but rather Jesus working through you. God is gently calling us to be yoked or connected to Him. For some of us that means asking God to change our yoke...to be now yoked or connected to Him ONLY. Simply come to Jesus and ask Him to remove the old yoke and to give you a brand new one. Ask God to help you find your rest in Him alone.
If you are in a ministry and you're burning out, ask God to show you if the ministry is of Him. If it's not of God, stop wasting your time and drop the ministry and then wait upon the Lord who will renew your strength. Stop trying to hold up a ministry in your own power and strength. Then there is no more pressure or stress!! Let Jesus do the work as you walk beside Him as He carries the load. God's invitation is open to all to "Come to Him," and find rest in Him. To those who don't know Him, He wants you to find rest for your souls as well. He wants a personal relationship with you, not just a knowledge of Him, but a living relationship with the God of the heavens and the earth. He wants to calm the storms raging in your soul with the simple words, "Peace, Be Still." God wants to give you the peace that surpasses all understanding. Ask God to give you the new life from the Spirit above. Ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit and make you a new person, and you will experience the joy, love and peace that ONLY God can truly give.
To those who are Christians but are weary and heavy burdened, find your rest in God alone. Sit at the feet of Jesus and learn from Him, for He is gentle and humble in heart. Ask God to once again remove the yoke that you are carrying and to yoke Himself to you...and then, and only then, will you find your rest.
This is one of the most beloved passages in the New Testament, and it's the key to rest. You may read this and say, "Yes I'm weary and burdened. Please Jesus, where is my rest?" Yet as you look at the passage more, you realize that there was more to it then just "claiming the promise." Jesus is telling a group of people to "Come to Me." This passage is not just for Christians. God was saying for all to come to HIM.
So this passage reaches out to you those who can't seem to find that missing piece of the puzzle in life, even though you may have religion. This life is wearing you down, and you have a load of guilt and problems that you're carrying on your back, this passage is for you.
You may be a Christian and you're “busy” in some ministry, and yet you still can't seem to find the peace and joy that God has promised. You're almost questioning your own heart and salvation, because you're also weary and carrying a load of problems, this passage is for you.
"Come to Me..."
Jesus is starting off by saying "Come to Me," - God in the flesh, the Messiah who came to bring us salvation, Creator of the heavens and the earth, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings in whose image you were created. Come to the One who said, "I AM the I AM". "I AM the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, the Way, and the Truth, the Resurrection and the Life." And Jesus calls out in love to come to Him, but sometimes this is the last thing that people want to do. They will take ANY other alternative, but Jesus.
We have people who would rather get high and drunk, than to turn to Jesus. They would choose a life in the gutters over a life as a child of the King. They know of Jesus, they believe that God has created them, they believe in heaven and hell, but they still want no part of Him.
And yet Jesus is gently calling out, "Come to Me...," all who are empty inside, all who are tired of their lives, all who are weary from sin. Those who are hurting, or are lonely..."Come to ME." Those who don't feel loved, those in broken lives, "Come to ME." There are no conditions here. He does not say "come if you're clean," or "sinless," "come if your act is all straightened out," "come if you're out of debt." He is not saying "come if you're one of the beautiful people" (thank God), or if your an "intellectual" (thank God again), but He simply is saying come….all who are good and bad, Come to ME."
It's important to remember that God is NOT starting off by saying: Come to church. Come to a pastor. Come to a tradition or a ritual. Come to a Christian psychologist. Come to a religion.
He starts off by saying simply, "Come to Me..."
This is the start of your rest: coming to, or receiving Jesus. The important part to remember is not just believing in Jesus, but receiving Him, asking Him to abide in you and fill you with His Spirit. You could believe that you have a gift in a beautifully wrapped Christmas gift, but unless you open it, receive it, your belief will do nothing for you! The same is true of Jesus. You could believe in Him all you want, but unless you receive Him, your belief is worthless!
There is no rest in any other name or thing, but Jesus, because then you receive your peace with God.
"All Who are Weary..."
God calls those that are weary, those who are to the point of utter exhaustion. You're weary from trying to find God, you have searched religions, rituals and traditions, and you are just plain tired of searching for God. Anyone who goes down this route will assure you that it is wearisome.
You can be weary from the affects of the world beating you down, the alcohol, the drugs, the painful relationships. You're just sick and tired of what is going on. You’re beat down! This can be very depressing and can make you feel like you don't even want to exist!
You can also be weary from trying to serve God on your own resources, or power! You have several ministries and they are just exhausting you. You press on to "serve God until you burnout." For some reason, there is no joy in your ministry, just a persistence to work for God. You have used every bit of your own resources and your wisdom, and you have nothing left to give.
"And Burdened..."
The word for burdened means carrying a load...a load of guilt, or a load of problems. You feel like you lost control of your problems years ago, and you starting to pay now for the choices you have made. You have mounds of bills, or family problems, even health problems, and you wonder where God is in all of this.
Through all of this God is telling us, "I will give you rest." The rest that God is talking about in this passage means: ease, refreshing or relaxation.
Recognizing God in the Storms
Sometimes we act like the disciples in Mark 4:36-41 when the storm came up and Jesus was asleep in the boat. When we are in the middle of a personal storm, where our whole life is being rocked by waves of problems, we think that Jesus is sleeping through our problems and that He does not care about us. “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Even though Jesus was asleep, technically God wasn't really sleeping, because the Scriptures tell us that "He never sleeps nor slumbers." (Psalm 121:4) Yet there are times we think that God is sleeping in the mist of our storms and instead He is right there in the mist of the storm with us!! Once we recognize that Jesus is with us, and that our life and faith is built upon Him, and that He cares for us, we can hear Him say, "Peace, Be Still," to our hearts. Jesus's disciples traveled with Him for three years, and they had to go through the storm to realize that He was the God of the storms. We too have to recognize that God is with us in the storm, no matter how many waves are rocking our lives. When we give Him control of the storm, He simply says, "Peace, Be Still," and then you experience the calm of peace that only He could give.
"Take My Yoke upon You..."
A yoke is a wooden harness that was commonly used in Biblical times to link two animals, usually oxen, together for purposes of plowing and working the fields. Because they were yoked, the animals could then be used together and kept under the master's control. The yoked animals worked together in plowing the land, or each sharing the burdened to be pulled. We ALL have yokes, we are all connected to something. It just depends on what we are yoked or connected to. We could be yoked to drugs or alcohol, we could be yoked to painful relationships or sinful relationships., we could be yoked to work. The list could go on and on!
Jesus is telling us the secret to rest right here. We are to be yoked or connected to HIM. When you are connected to other things but Jesus, God is not in control of your life. Instead, the one who is in control is the one whose yoke you are wearing. So God tells us that in order to have rest, we are to be linked to Him.
To wear God's yoke symbolizes obedience to Him. Jesus said, "If you love Me you will keep My commandments”. God's blessings are found in the path of trustful obedience.
"And Learn from Me, for I Am Gentle and Humble in Heart..."
We should be learning from Jesus by opening up the Bible and seeing what God says to us. And as we spend the quality time in the Scriptures we will learn wondrous things. We need to learn from Jesus, getting to know Him and His Word better. Learn His ways, and His mind in all things. Learn from Jesus how to find rest for your soul.
"And You Will Find Rest for Your Souls..."
Once we submit (there’s that word again!) to God’s will, and learn of Him and spend time with Him, then we will be rested. Sometimes we need to do...sit at the Lord's feet, as Mary did in Luke 10:38-42, listening to what He says!!
"For My Yoke is Easy and My Burden is Light..."
When you are yoked to Jesus, you are no longer carrying the problems, and you are no longer tired and weary because Jesus is carrying your load, your just walking with HIM!! So a ministry becomes a joy when it's not you doing it, but rather Jesus working through you. God is gently calling us to be yoked or connected to Him. For some of us that means asking God to change our yoke...to be now yoked or connected to Him ONLY. Simply come to Jesus and ask Him to remove the old yoke and to give you a brand new one. Ask God to help you find your rest in Him alone.
If you are in a ministry and you're burning out, ask God to show you if the ministry is of Him. If it's not of God, stop wasting your time and drop the ministry and then wait upon the Lord who will renew your strength. Stop trying to hold up a ministry in your own power and strength. Then there is no more pressure or stress!! Let Jesus do the work as you walk beside Him as He carries the load. God's invitation is open to all to "Come to Him," and find rest in Him. To those who don't know Him, He wants you to find rest for your souls as well. He wants a personal relationship with you, not just a knowledge of Him, but a living relationship with the God of the heavens and the earth. He wants to calm the storms raging in your soul with the simple words, "Peace, Be Still." God wants to give you the peace that surpasses all understanding. Ask God to give you the new life from the Spirit above. Ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit and make you a new person, and you will experience the joy, love and peace that ONLY God can truly give.
To those who are Christians but are weary and heavy burdened, find your rest in God alone. Sit at the feet of Jesus and learn from Him, for He is gentle and humble in heart. Ask God to once again remove the yoke that you are carrying and to yoke Himself to you...and then, and only then, will you find your rest.
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