Good morning,
To
the wise, we are foolish, to the strong, we are weak, to the fear
driven, we live in a dream world and to those who have chosen to hate
the God of the universe, we are dangerous enemies. When Jesus was
talking to his Father about us he called us childlike. He knew that
from our perspective we are surrounded by fearful challenges, but from
his perspective we are safe in his care. From our perspective we are
surrounded by confusion and looming disaster, but from God’s perspective
we are a useful and necessary part of his eternal plan. It is for
those of us who have learned to think and live like children of God, who
are then able to hear what he promises to those who have learned to
take his hand and follow his leading. If we are still determined to
stay in control of our lives and keep telling our Savior what we need
and how important our plans are to us, we will never be able to enjoy
the reality that he offers us.
The reality he offers us as we
face the stress and burdens of life is nothing less then the rest
enjoyed by our Good Shepherd. When we try to face these life challenges
alone we will fail. When we come to him as willing learners, following
our confident shepherd, everything about how we see the world around us
looks very different indeed. Jesus is gentle and understanding as he
leads us through the lessons of life that make up the stories of God’s
faithfulness that we will share with those around us. As our Shepherd
keeps faithfully protecting us time after time and then gives us joy and
peace when we trust and obey, we learn what it means to rest in our
Savior. Are the lessons he gives us hard or even impossible from our
perspective? Of course. But we also learn that he is with us to carry
the heavy part of all that goes on to make his plans for us work out
just right. We learn what it means to go through life with a joyful,
restful heart. Dear Lord, will you teach what it means to never give up
but to keep trusting in you.
Matthew 11:25 At that
time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise
and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike.
28 Then Jesus
said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and
I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you,
because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is
light.”
Roy Wisner
