In this email I'm examining the Scriptures, like usual. I'm also inviting you to my free Masterclass on April 8th, about writing your book.

There’s one more invitation coming–if you'd prefer not to receive it, just reply "No" to this one, and you'll be opted out.

Hi ~

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus spoke words that are a balm to the soul of weary ones like us:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

He is gentle and lowly in heart.

It’s beautiful.

But have you ever really pondered the larger context of that Scripture?

This Savior, this one who is gentle and lowly in heart, the one who offers rest to those who are weary of the burdens of sin and the law . . .

This Savior had just been yelling at the crowd.

Hmmm.

First, He talked about His forerunner John the Baptist, rebuking the crowd for their hypocrisy in refusing John and refusing Jesus for reasons that were in opposition to each other.

Then He began denouncing the cities where most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not turn to Him.

“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”

This kind of shocking talk would have driven many people away. The hard-hearted ones. The ones who were satisfied with the status quo. The ones who rolled their eyes. 

The ones who were self-satisfied. Not weary. Not feeling burdened.

Then . . .

I’m picturing many of that crowd having moved away from Him by now.

And others, the hungry ones, the weary ones, drawing closer.

And the volume of His voice drops. And He looks to heaven. And He speaks of intimacy.

“I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

And then . . .

That is when He looked around at those who were left, who had gathered near Him, who longed to hear what He would say next.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

What? Hope like this, right after He pronounced those woes?

Yes, hope like this, from our gentle and lowly Savior. Right after the woes.

They have to accompany one another, you know.

Woes on some. Hope for others.

This whole context helps us to have the fuller picture of who God is. Who our Jesus is.

He, the one who offers rest as our gentle and lowly Savior, is fully aware of the hardheartedness of those who will not turn.

Many of us who have experienced His gentleness are very grateful for His woes.

Do you know someone who has experienced terrible things at the hands of those who have claimed to be the people of God?

Then you get what I’m saying. And we praise Him together.

Taking wickedness seriously, with you, and grateful for our rest in Jesus Christ,

Rebecca

P.S. If you’ve been learning deep things from the Lord through your own life experiences and experiences of Him, I invite you to join me for my free online Masterclass on April 8th. There you can learn more about taking what God has taught you and putting it into published book form to help others. 

You can find out more and sign up here. I hope to see you there!

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