MATTHEW 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
THEME OF THE DAY: GENTLE AND LOWLY. Today’s scripture is one of the most heart-warming and soul-lifting invitations ever given by our Lord. He offers what all weary people crave who are feeling the weight of sin, the burdens of life in a sin-cursed world, and the cares of the world weighing them down like a ball and chain – spiritual rest found in knowing and abiding in Him.
The theme of today’s devotion is also the title of an excellent book by Dane Ortlund. Its subtitle is The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers. Ortlund writes in his introduction, “This book is written for the discouraged, the disenchanted, the cynical, the empty. Those running on fumes. Those whose Christian lives feel like constantly running up a descending escalator. Those of us who find ourselves thinking: How could I mess up that bad – again? It is for that increasing suspicion that God’s patience with us is wearing thin. For those of us who know God loves us but suspect we have deeply disappointed Him. Who have told others of the love of Christ yet wonder if – as for us – He harbors mild resentment.” By the way, get this book. It will be a heavy shot of encouragement to the weary Christian who is struggling with failure and God’s love to us in our failures.
As one ponders not only the ray of spiritual sunshine from Ortlund’s introduction to his book, but the profound words of our Lord Jesus, what stands out more than anything else? I know that might not be a fair question for there is so much encouraging truth in both, but keep our answer on the Lord’s invitation.
Do we see it? It is the Lord’s approachability. This is a staggering truth. The God of the universe, the Creator, the eternal God, the holy, holy, holy One, and the Godman who needs nothing to satisfy Himself, and especially doesn’t need sin-burdened sinners to bring wholeness to Him, proclaims, “Come to Me.” He doesn’t say, “Clean your act up, get some religion, try harder.” No. He holds out His loving arms and says, “Approach me. Don’t be afraid. Don’t hesitate. I am what you need. I am your burden-carrier. I offer what you crave – forgiveness and fellowship with Me, My Father, and My Spirit.” And within the invitation is the assurance we can come because of what He is – gentle and lowly. Oh, what a God is Jesus. We who deserve not one ounce of His love, mercy, and grace are invited to come to Him to receive abundance of all, and to do so boldly and with confidence that we will not be rejected!
So, spend time reading and meditating on this most precious scripture. Ask the Lord to show you Himself in not only the humbling splendor of His holiness but the gentleness and lowliness of His heart wooing us to approach Him to adore and enjoy Him.
PRAYER: Father, I praise You for giving me Your Son – my gentle, lowly, and approachable Savior.
REFLECTION: Jesus is not only our God and Savior but He is our approachable God and Savior who is gentle.