LENTEN READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

DAY 2

Reading: Matthew 8:13-13:35

Think carefully about the contrast between call and rest in this section.

Jesus calls us to drop all other priorities for his sake.

We are to leave “the dead to bury their own dead” (8:22)*, to follow Jesus though it will mean “no place to rest our heads” (8:20), to go out into the world and “reap the harvest”(9:38), and yet “take no bag for the journey”(10:10). We must take up our cross and lose our lives, face persecution, trial, and strife and the sword (10:17-39) all the while bearing good fruit (12:33).

At the same time Jesus promises security and rest.

He sleeps peacefully in a storm tossed boat while the sea rages around his followers and then, with a word, he rebukes the wind and the waves (8:26).

He tells his disciples to be ready for deadly persecution and crisis and yet hereminds them that nothing will ever happen to them apart from the Father's will,

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs on your head are numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth many sparrows.”(10:29-31)

Finally, he calls them to hard and dangerous work that will require everything they have, including their lives, but at the same time he beckons, “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.” (11:28-30)

It all seems like such a contradiction at first. That is, until I think about the way my own life works.

When I'm stacked with work and deadlines and home or money pressure, the first thing to go is Jesus. Just this last week I was more loaded down than I've been at any time other than Easter. So I cut out my morning prayers so I could work. Then I cut out my bible reading…just for a week.

When the cares of this life begin to mount, everything else takes priority over Jesus.

And I always regret it. I always end up feeling more run down, more worried, more tired, more stressed than ever.

Jesus must come first.

Martin Luther once said, “When I am busy I pray for an hour every day. When I am extremely busy and have no time, I pray for two.”

Jesus calls us to great efforts and difficult missions that will require your best. He demands to be first in every aspect of your life.

When he's not, you'll be worn thin, depressed and tired.

But when you give him your first and best, and this is always the case, you find rest for your soul. He calms your storms and takes over your burdens and you remember that you are his child and that nothing can happen to you apart from his will.

How often I must re-learn this lesson.

Take some time today to release your burdens and anxieties to Christ.

And ask him to help you take up your cross and follow.

Home  Sermons Contact Us  Links  Last Week's Article