Tidbits Of Info For The Discerning Mind

Lot's of pain out there in the world.
Lot's of unanswered questions being asked by those who are hurting.
You know, sometimes the only thing you can say to those who are hurting is, "I understand and so does God."
Pain and suffering are a part of this fallen world.
It's part of the package deal we got when Adam and Eve traded eternity for the temporary.
But even in the midst of all the confusion and chaos and pain, if you listen closely, you'll hear the voice of God.
A voice that never wavers.
A message that never changes.
A voice that cannot be silenced by anyone or anything.
The voice speaks with authority and with confidence.
We read the message in Matthew 11:28-30 as Jesus speaks.
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

The voice extends an invitation.
The voice penetrates every barrier, every obstacle and every idea this world seeks to create in the minds of people. It is not stoped or rendered powerless by doubt and fear, but like a laser guided bomb, homes in to destroy these barriers.
The voice is a voice of reason and a voice of hope.
Who hears this voice?
Those who have expended themselves in sin.
Those who are being crushed beneath the weight of guilt, shame and self-inflicted wounds through our rebellion against God.
An invitation with a promise.  A very simple promise that speaks volumes to someone who can't find a  way out of the insanity of sin/addiction/life. The inviation is for those who are literally walking around dead. It is a life giving, death resurrecting voice that is greater and more powerful than anything our enemy could place in its way.
It is the eternal voice of Jesus Christ.

Christ defines who the call is for.
Christ defines the simplicity of the promise.
"I will give you rest."
Rest? Does he mean sleep? No.
Does he mean a big Lazy boy recliner in which to kick back in? No.
The rest that Jesus offers if only found when we give up and accept him as Lord and Savior.
A rest from having to do everything in our own wisdom and strength and ability.
We've already proven that we are powerless over life's situations.
We've already created a pretty good track record of messing up.
Now, here from the God of all that's holy and good, is extended an invitation to come and rest.
In the resting, Jesus teaches us a new way of living and a new direction for our life.

It boils down to this.
You can live life on the terms and conditions of this fallen world,
or....
You can life life on the terms and economy of heaven.
How like God to give us a choice.
If you read Matthew 11:28-30, you'll go on to see that Jesus made another promise.
"Take my yoke upon you." Jesus was explaining in language the people could understand that if they chose to follow him, then he would direct them and guide them. They no longer had to "wing it," so to speak.
Their days would be days of purpose and meaning.
That promise is still in effect today, thousands of years later.
God's desire is to see you come to him and receive his rest.
Receive his direction and guidance.
Receive his love and mercy.
I don't know about you, but that seems like a pretty good deal.
Oh yeah, if you act quickly, then God will throw in eternal life with him as an added bonus.
Wowzers!

God on you......
mb