Monday, December 10, 2012
Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all you 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."
ADVENT ACTIONS: A CALL TO REST
Often times while I'm driving past the farmlands of Wisconsin in the evening I see herds of cows or sheep heading up to the barn for feeding and to gather into the barn to sleep and stay out of the night's cold. I'm always impressed by this fact. The cows and sheep always know right where to go for their food and rest.
Jesus makes it just as easy for us too. The Word of God in the Holy Bible is like a big red barn boldly standing tall in a field that all can see and spot at a great distance. It is a haven of food and rest. It is the location where the Master resides nearby to continue to tend and supply all that is needed for His precious lambs.
In my life I so often get worn down by the labor and work for which I am responsible. I often feel too tired, both mentally and physically, to carry the heavy yoke of guilt and sadness for my straying and wandering from my Master's love, nourishment, and rest.
But our Savior reminds us where we can go once again for rest this Advent season. As Advent reminds us of Jesus' coming to take on our flesh and be born into this world, to take up our burden of sins from us, we see Him doing this to provide the eternal rest we need for our souls.
I pray that I would be more like those cattle and sheep that happily head for the barn daily for food and rest. I pray that the Lord would strengthen me as He calls to me to come to Him, and through His kind and gentle Words restore my joy and thankfulness for the eternal rest He has bought for me with His very blood.
Lord Jesus, help and teach me to seek You out daily for the nourishment You alone give-- for the needed rest for my soul. Amen.
