Welcome to Hank’s Place –
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites us to depart from struggling to do the right thing, and come to Him to find refreshing rest for our souls.
The word ‘rest’ is found 275 times in the Bible. Rest heals, restores, renews. And after 2020 we all need it! Those surviving the Texas Snow Apocalypse especially need it!
The world and its demons pressure us: we find ourselves thinking, “There’s too much to do — there’s too little time — there’s too much to stress and worry and be anxious about. I don’t have time to rest. Resting is a waste.”
If we resist these pressures, the world offers us endless other options — to work harder to get ahead, to climb the ladder of “success” — or engage in exhausting activity outside of work. How about chilling by binging Netflix or FaceBook — ‘busy is best’ suggests the world, and religion — to all of us.
Under the Old Covenant, the Israelites were commanded to rest on the Sabbath day, Exodus 20:8-11. They had to leave the ‘work world’ behind and rest in the things of God.
In our New Covenant, it is different. We are invited to rest in Him. From the Message Bible, our passage reads, “Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
I urge you, cast your worries upon the Lord today. Speak those worries out. Tell Jesus what’s troubling you — then give them to Jesus! And let the Spirit lead you on. Our God has created and ordered the galaxies — surely He can bring order to our chaotic lives — don’t you agree?
Let’s walk with Jesus today. Let’s learn those unforced rhythms of grace. Let’s— COME ALIVE!
Hey! I’ve attached two YouTube links to a song and a medley that may help you find some rest. Holy Is The Lord is best heard very very loud:
And the medley from the Slavic Mission Bible School reminds me of the powerful, anointed, revival music of the ’70’s –
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNw4M0-FXoI&list=RDzNw4M0-FXoI&start_radio=1
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