Finding Joy, Peace And Rest

A common phrase today is that we have a “come to Jesus” moment, meaning that reality hit us right between the eyes. But when people say this, they are not really talking about coming to Jesus. They are just talking about coming to “reality”. It makes me laugh every time that I hear that phrase, especially from non-believers. They don’t really understand the depth of what they are saying, even if they have some context about Christian views.

Scripture:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and you will find rest for your souls. 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.” – Matthew 11:28,29

Observation/Application:
It all starts with coming to Jesus. Notice today’s verse starts with the words, “come to me”. We have to decide that Jesus is going to be the leader who we follow, the ruler of our lives, and come to him. That means material things don’t rule us, Hollywood actresses and actors don’t guide our thinking, political parties don’t rule our thinking, Socrates, Plato, Einstein, or any of today’s rulers either. There is one guiding light in our lives, amongst the darkness of this world, and it is Jesus.

So first we have to turn to Jesus and accept Him as our Lord and Savior. That is step one. The next Word of instruction, the next step, Jesus tells us to “take my yoke upon you and learn from me.” That means we have something to do. We have a yoke to wear, a cross to carry. That means that once we accept Jesus as the leader over our lives, we actually have to follow Him and learn from Him. The simplest and best definition of a leader is a person who has followers. And when we follow a leader, we do what they do, say what they say, and model them in every way. And that is what Jesus is asking us to do, to follow Him. Not to follow Him and gripe if we don’t like His way. No, we are to take His yoke upon us and become like Him! And the best part about his yoke is that it is “easy” and His burden is “light”. And the result, our souls will find rest.

When you turn to the Father, and surrender your life to the Lord, you give your whole heart. It is a heart marriage for all eternity. Married people often understand this better, because they have made a lifetime commitment. And our commitment to God our Father is similar to this, but for eternity. Coming to Jesus is not turning to Him and using Him for what you need when you need Him, then ignoring Him again until you need Him. What kind of relationship is that? That is a one-way transactional relationship that is no good.

Let us work to collaborate with God our Father every day by taking up his yoke and being obedient to his Will. And as our relationship grows and matures, we start hearing from God more and more and that relationship turns synergistic. And over time our trust deepens and we eventually get to a point where we deeply and fully trust God, and we are mature in our faith. The same relationship model and progression that we would expect in our personal and professional lives also applies to our relationship with God our Father. And to think that God gave me this revelation to be a more effective leader at work, only to later realize that God reveals this to me so that I could understand and apply it to my relationship with Him!

May you come to Jesus today, for His yoke is easy and his burden is light. I call you blessed.

#A-Leader-Truly-Worth-Following

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, you are so good. Thank you for continuing to reveal your Word to me to allow me to walk in your goodness. Keep me close to you, that I can hear your voice. Open my heart and mind to you Lord, and use me for your great Purpose. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. let your love and light shine in me. Help me to love all those who you bring across my path today, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

Today’s full reading: 1 Samuel 28,29; Psalm 109; Matthew 11


Image courtesy of: Art4TheGlryOfGod by Sharon

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