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Respite For the Weary
As we are now in the thick of the holiday season, the propensity to be distracted by so many things increases by the day, so much so that we lose focus of the one thing we are celebrating (see Luke 10:41-42). Let’s face it, we are a frantic and frazzled people, all in the name of Christmas.
Today, I’m hoping to pull you back in with some pleasant and peaceful thoughts about the one thing we are celebrating, Jesus.
The first thought is the lead-in question: If you were asked to describe your core personality with two words, what would those words be? Wholesome and happy? Calm and collected? Eager and excitable? Passionate and powerful? Think about this question for a while, and really answer it.
Now for the second thought, the main question: Do you know the two words that Jesus used to describe Himself? It’s found tucked into some of the most familiar verses that we know as believers:
Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Mt. 11:28-29
Wow, Jesus, King of kings, called Himself…gentle. Jesus, Lord of lords, deemed Himself…humble.
The awesome paradox continues from Isaiah 9:6:
The Wonderful Counselor… left His holy throne room.
The Mighty God…was placed in a mother’s womb, and then into a feeding trough.
The Everlasting Father…walked the dusty streets of Jerusalem, and also washed feet.
The Prince of Peace…was smitten, stricken, and crowned with thorns.
This God-man emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant…and He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Phil. 2:7-8
So today, my friend, think of the one thing that’s important, especially during this season. As you hit the ground runnin’ with your feet, keep the gentle and humble One tucked in your heart. He is the One that we are celebrating. Sing Him a song or two: a song of worship as King of all creation, followed by a song of thanksgiving as Savior of the world.
Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which translated means, “God with us.” Mt. 1:22
The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry. The face of the Lord is against evil-doers, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. Psalm 34:15-17
Dear Lord,
You see us and you hear us! Thank you for this comforting truth. In your righteousness, please come. Deliver your people who call on your name, Lord Jesus. Amen.