Matthew 11:25-30 Come to Me, and I Will Give You Rest

Jesus had been teaching that he is the Son of God bringing near the kingdom of God and that the proper response to such teaching is repentance that moves one to mission: to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom. These are the things that are hidden from the “wise and understanding” according to this world because they are not open to receive Jesus’ teachings. These things are revealed to “little children,” people who are willing to receive Jesus’ teachings with simple faith. In this simple prayer of thanksgiving, Jesus reveals the will of the Father: the pride and arrogant who are unwilling to believe will not see and the humble who are willing to embrace with faith will see (receive revelation). Jesus also explains his relationship with his Father: he has been handed over all things, authority in heaven and earth (Mat.28:18) to accomplish his mission, to begin the establishment of God’s kingdom upon the earth. To know the Father is the privilege of those who are in relationship with Jesus because he is the only one who knows (not just about, but intimately in relationship) him.

Jesus makes a call to all who are burdened by the legalistic interpretations of the Law imposed upon them by the Scribes and Pharisees. Interpretations that promote works in an attempt to earn salvation and enter the kingdom of God by one’s own merits. He calls people to himself so that they can enjoy rest from such labor. Jesus is offering a lighter yoke. Yoke was used as a metaphor for the disciple/teacher relationship. Submission to one’s teacher was to receive his yoke upon oneself. Jesus is calling people to switch their discipleship over to him because he is gentle, not a slave driver. He is also lowly in heart (humble), with no interest in putting people down to show himself superior. This yoke is easier because it is lighter and will allow people to find much needed rest. Rest refers to a stopping of the work, but also as enjoying a blessed tranquility of the soul in God. To follow Jesus is to take his light and easy yoke upon us that we may find rest for our souls.

Lord, help me take on your yoke. Help me see that obedience to you brings rest for my soul.

Psalm 19 The Law of the Lord is Perfect

Creation speaks with a loud voice concerning the glories of our Creator. The heavens, the sky, the day, and the night reveal the knowledge of the Almighty. David writes: "There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard." Every human being is struck by the glory of God as he contemplates nature.

Alongside Nature, there is another voice that sings in harmony the glories of our God. It is the voice of Revelation through the Scriptures. David describes the Scriptures as perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, and true. On top of that, he describes the effects that Scripture has upon the person: revives the soul, makes the wise the simple, rejoices the heart, and enlightens the eyes. This list of characteristics and benefits is long enough to entice our souls to run to the Scriptures every day of our lives.

To top it all off, David says: "...by them your servant is warned..." The Scriptures serve the purpose of warning us of our own errors. "Who can discern his errors?" Given my propensity to defend myself from wrongdoing, it is imperative to rely on the Scriptures as the one that pinpoints with grace and love the faults in my life. God promises to clear me of my sins if I only come to him in confession and repentance. God also promises to protect me from being controlled by my sin and sets me free to live for him.

The long term benefit of coming to the Scriptures is: "...in keeping them there is great reward." I look forward to my reward for living my life according to the Scriptures with the help of God through his Spirit. The ultimate effects of feeding on the Scriptures in the here and now is the regulation of my words and my thoughts and motivations: "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."

Father, help me value the Scriptures as the voice the proclaims your glories and may I feast in it to reap its benefits in my life. May I never forget your word, or become disinterested. Revive in me a passion for your Word that I may grow in you. Amen.

Acts 17:1-9 Paul and Silas in Thessalonica

Paul and Silas were consistent in their strategy to preach the Gospel. They looked for a nearby synagogue and began to preach the Gospel there. They spent three Sabbath days (weeks) at the synagogue. Paul reasoned with them, explaining and proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ who had to suffer and rise from the dead. Certainly the Gospel needs to be preached in the power of the Spirit, and needs to be centered on the Scriptures, but it does not exclude the use of reason. Is Scripture the source of my preaching? Am I seeking the power of the Spirit to preach?


Reason (explanation and proof) is at the service of Revelation with the purpose of persuading those who listen. When Paul refers to his preaching not being of words with eloquent wisdom (1Cor.1:17), he is referring to the custom of the professional orators who performed for the sake of entertainment and instruction calling attention to themselves. The preaching of the Gospel strives to persuade using reason at the service of revelation by exalting Jesus as the Christ, not the messenger. The proclamation of the Gospel must be Christocentric. The messenger must hide behind the cross.

It was very difficult for the Jews to accept that the Christ would have to suffer. They expected a Christ who would become King, but they could not conceive of a suffering Christ. The truth of the Gospel is that through suffering and death we are given healing and life. I don't like suffering. The mere thought of suffering causes me to shrink back. But we know that suffering produces endurance (Rom.5:3) and it is part of our identification with Christ in his kingdom. If Christ was hated and persecuted and suffered, I must realize that my following him will bring the same upon my life. Suffering is part and parcel of the kingdom of God. I have to come to grips with suffering. This is part of the cost to follow Jesus. Am I willing to pay the cost?

The jealousy of the Jews drove them to go after Paul by forming a mob, setting the city in an uproar. They went into Jason's home, but they missed him - thank God. Because they missed Paul, they went after Jason and some other brothers accusing them of acting against Caesar by proclaiming Jesus as king. At least, they were not executed. They were charged a fine as security - more likely referring to giving their word that Paul and Silas would not come back to preach. This may be the "Satan's hindrance" mentioned by Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians (1Thes.2:18). It is important to realize that behind such opposition lie the powers of darkness. My struggle is not against flesh and blood. That's why I can't stop praying!