September 11, 2000
FAMILY MATTERS:
Find Christ's rest in the midst of turmoil
___ I am facing a serious situation that has me in turmoil. How do I respond?
STEVE SMITH
Minister to Singles
Prestonwod Baptist Church, Dallas
___Rest! Jesus said, "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, 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 shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my load is light."
___A friend recently went through a battle with cancer. He was in seminary at the time, married and had three children with a fourth child on the way.
___His life was not a bowl of cherries. However, he had a peace that was inexplicable. Despite the pain, despite the loss of hair, despite the sickness, despite the prospect of death, he never wavered. Throughout his treatment and recovery, he knew to find rest in his Savior, Jesus. He knew that was the only way to make it through this battle.
___Today, he is well and responds just as he did during his cancer treatment--with joy and contentment, with peace.
___My friend's response is the exception, not the rule. Rather than take comfort in Christ, people look to their own efforts to find answers, escape or fulfillment. When tragedy hits, they pull away from Christ instead of turning to him. As they turn inward, the burden of pressures causes them to be weary and tired.
___Christ desires rest for us and desires to make our burdens light. He is the only one who can offer eternal peace and rest.
___This rest is "good." It is a confidence that we are free. It is assurance that we can stand up straight and are no longer required to carry the load of frustration, sin, guilt and anxiety. It is a rest that provides us security.
___Christ uses the metaphor of a yoke to illustrate the point. A yoke is heavy and awkward-looking, but it protects animals from pulling muscles and from chaffing and allows the animals to produce more together than they could separately. It also allows the farmer to gently correct the animals--to keep them on the straight path.
___Christ places his yoke on those who desire it. It is a yoke of rest! It is also a yoke of production. He desires our participation in his work. He wants those who are willing to be taught, those who are willing to produce and those who want to find rest. His yoke provides peace, not turmoil. He gives joy, not anxiousness. His yoke never saddles us with "church" law or tradition. His yoke is for our benefit. Will you take it?
___
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