Thanks For The Invite!

In our busy society, in spite of all the technology and devices that make things easier and faster, we are hurried and life is more hectic than ever for so many.  We go about life at a pace that eventually drains us and we can suffer physical and emotional injury, without even realizing it until we "crash."
We're reminded then just how frail we really are, and that emotional turmoil can cause physical damage if we don't stop to rest and recharge regularly.

These words of Jesus stand as an invitation to our weary souls, especially in times when we're feeling the effects of the turmoil life brings.  He said," Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."  It is a rest that reaches deep into our souls, creates peace of mind, comfort for broken hearts, and can help alleviate and prevent physical illness.

We might say, sounds pretty good right about now, but how do I find this type of rest and stability?  My life is shattered by tragedy and loss. My marriage has ended in divorce and my optimism and trust are long gone.  How do I find rest when everything I was pursuing has come to mean nothing and is pointless? How do I now find "rest?"

You find this type of rest by a simple yet very profound decision to have faith in Jesus Christ and His words.  He came to this world so that you and I can have a place of rest, a sense of quiet and calm, when we inevitably experience the trials and stresses of life. 

This "place" is not a location, it is a state of being. It is the place of our sins being forgiven because of our faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord. He died for our sins on the cross, rose from the dead so that now through Him, all who believe in Him can experience the peace and assurance that comes from that state of being. It is the peace of the redeemed. It is the peace that perhaps your soul is longing for even as you read today. The forgiveness of sins is that beginning, and soon you find that Jesus becomes your peace.

The pace of life need not dominate us.  Christ offers a true alternative to what most are experiencing today.  Take Him up on His invitation, rest for your weary mind and heart will be yours.  Just make that simple yet profound and life changing decision to place your hope, faith, trust in Him for the forgiveness of your sin.

It's one invitation you'll be glad you accepted.

Not Far Anymore

In the Bible, the prophet Isaiah writes of One that he saw coming from far away. Far away as in in the distant future from Isaiah's own time. He describes this One like this," Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, And a branch from his roots will bear fruit.

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD."

 

He spoke of a promised Messiah who would come to set his people free.  Although Isaiah could not foresee all of the details of future events, he understood that this Savior would be full of God's Holy Spirit, perfect in wisdom and unerring in his judgment.  He would be the one who would accomplish God's eternal purpose for humanity and for all creation. Part of that purpose is to call out from every nation a people that would be unique and for His eternal glory.  The Savior spoken of is Jesus Christ. The unique people is now called the church. 

 

As a partaker of that good and perfect will and purpose, we have great reason to rejoice in this Savior, so graciously given to us. The terms Isaiah uses to describe Jesus give us great assurance for our lives especially in these wicked times in which we live.  He is described as perfect in wisdom and judgment, without error, because He is the Son of God.  The decisions He makes and has made are not confined by the limits of time and space but made and decreed from the perspective of eternity. He sees all things, from beginning to end, and His actions and judgments are in perfect harmony with His will for creation, which includes humanity. 

In these times when our view of the world has adopted a delusional view of reality, we as His unique people can embrace the solid and foundational anchor in the person of Jesus Christ. His word is truth, and He said that one day heaven and Earth themselves will pass away, but His word will not pass away.  Jesus warns of the devastation that comes like a flood and a destroying wind that takes away everything that is not secured on the foundation of His eternal words.  The choice is ours as this New Year opens before us.  

 

God's wisdom, perspective, judgment, His word are the guiding principles that can never be altered or deluded. They will not fade away into the cloud of moral relativism, and a misguided idea of "fairness."  We can base our lives upon His eternal decrees and are free from the folly of trusting our own limited perspective and understanding.  This Messiah, Savior is calling and waiting for you, and for all who come under the influence of His gracious Holy Spirit.  He waits so that we might respond and say yes to Jesus.  

By faith, trust His words, trust His perfect character and wisdom, you will find confidence and sure steps along the way of this danger filled path we call life. In fact, we will find what we didn't really look for- life itself, abundant, pure, joyful, purposeful, free from the delusional curse that this world operates under.  The wisdom of God will guide and keep us until we arrive at the fulfillment of God's plan for us in Christ Jesus.  Not a bad way to live.