Memory – Matthew 11.28-30 Come to me, all who 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
There are many notable themes that are threaded throughout the Bible. This word of encouragement given by Jesus may be somewhat reminiscent of Psalm 23 which you may have already committed to memory. In the Psalm we are told that even though we may walk through the valley of the shadow of death that the Lord is with us and will abide with us even in the darkest hours. So, too, with this invitation to rest and abide in Christ. Contextually, it follows chapter 10 wherein Jesus is sending out his disciples to preach that the kingdom of God is at hand. He warns them in advance that they will have a mixed reception. It is ironic that they will be vilified and persecuted for speaking the truth of God’s love and provision for sinners. Jesus said: If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul [a name for Satan], how much more will they malign those of his household (Matthew 10.25). So, Jesus cautions the disciples to keep their focus: And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10.28).
This instruction is quickly followed by a close to home report of the godly prophet John the Baptist having been imprisoned for his condemnation of Herod Antipas’ who had forsaken his first wife and sinfully married his brother’s wife. A short time later we read in Matthew 14 that at a birthday party Herodias, Herod’s wife, persuaded her daughter to ask her likely inebriated husband for the head of John the Baptist on a platter, and he was immediately executed. His head was brought in for all to see. In the midst of all this religious and political upheaval Jesus invites all to come to himself and they will find a peace that passes understanding (cf. John 14.27; 16.33). Again this theme is repeated by Paul writing from prison in Rome, after being in prison for two years in Israel: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness [from the Greek also meaning gentleness, patient, moderation] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4.4-7).
When I served with the Marines we were told that we do not prepare for war after we find ourselves in the middle of armed conflict; we prepare for conflict during times of peace. We pray that such times may never come, but when they do come, we have an assurance that God is with us and will never forsake us – even to the end of the age (Matthew 28.18-20). So, the Christian prepares for the often-unexpected traumatic exigencies of life by being faithful in their regular prayer and meditation on Biblical truth (remember Psalm 119.9-11).
This instruction is quickly followed by a close to home report of the godly prophet John the Baptist having been imprisoned for his condemnation of Herod Antipas’ who had forsaken his first wife and sinfully married his brother’s wife. A short time later we read in Matthew 14 that at a birthday party Herodias, Herod’s wife, persuaded her daughter to ask her likely inebriated husband for the head of John the Baptist on a platter, and he was immediately executed. His head was brought in for all to see. In the midst of all this religious and political upheaval Jesus invites all to come to himself and they will find a peace that passes understanding (cf. John 14.27; 16.33). Again this theme is repeated by Paul writing from prison in Rome, after being in prison for two years in Israel: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness [from the Greek also meaning gentleness, patient, moderation] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4.4-7).
When I served with the Marines we were told that we do not prepare for war after we find ourselves in the middle of armed conflict; we prepare for conflict during times of peace. We pray that such times may never come, but when they do come, we have an assurance that God is with us and will never forsake us – even to the end of the age (Matthew 28.18-20). So, the Christian prepares for the often-unexpected traumatic exigencies of life by being faithful in their regular prayer and meditation on Biblical truth (remember Psalm 119.9-11).
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