As I was reading my devotions yesterday, I came across a very familiar passage of Scripture that caught my eye in a different way. I have been reading out of the parallel Bible with the NIV/Message translations. Great study tool that you can pick up at any Christian Bookstore. The passage that I was reading was Matthew 11:28-30.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
I have read this Scripture numerous times, but I was reading in the Message translation and found it worded just a little differently. This different wording made me think a little differntly about the passage.
Matthew 11:28-30 (Message Translation)
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? 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.
Now let’s take a look at a few phrases here that shows us what real resting is. Jesus says to “get away with Him“. When was the last time you actually put aside time and really got away with Him. I know for me it has been some time. We often let the busyness of life get in the way of truly letting Him direct our lives. When we don’t take the time to get away with Him, the things of this world tend to pull on us.
The second thing I want to point out is the phrase “with me“. He says this phrase 4 times in this passage of scripture. How many of us are guilty of trying to do it on our own? Many times that is why we are so tired, run down, and burned out. We are go getters and people who like results now. But sometimes the results come at a price. If we were to take the time and walk with Him and allow Him to show us how to do the work, then we would be better off in the end. I know that I am completely guilty of trying to do things on my own and not allowing God to work His process.
So I guess my question is, are you tired? I know that I am. I am not to the point of burn out, but I know that the things of life sometimes weight heavy on me. Jesus says in verse 30 to “keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” This is a process of learning. As long as we are teachable, then the process of letting Him do the things He needs to do will become easier and easier. Also don’t forget that to keep company with Him. This means that He is wants to talk and listen to us. Don’t be afraid to let Him know how you feel, but be ready to listen to His comments an advice.
Filed under: My Journal , Being tired, freedom, God, Jesus, live free, recover life, rest, resting, taking a rest
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