Sunday, August 2, 2009

If I am weary and burdened I probably need to be more of a child

This afternoon, I was reflecting on the great message that Geoff Horn gave at our church today. It spurred these further thoughts:

The passage was Jesus' words in Matt 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 was helped by reading two verses earlier:

At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.

I take the weary and burdened of vs 27 to be the self-deceived "wise and learned" of verse 25. Or those who were trying so hard to meet the religious demands of those who claimed to be the religious elite.

Jesus invites them (us) to become child-like and learn and rest. In other words, God invites us to see ourselves as we really are - children in need of a leader and father.

If I am weary and burdened it is probably an indicator that I have been leaning too hard on my own sense of wisdom and learning or complicating my walk with God into rules and duties. I probably need to be more of a child.

Still Jesus says come.