August 23rd, 2011
Back in the ‘60’s it was predicted that advances in technology would radically change how many hours a week people worked. The forecast called for the average worker to be putting in about 22 hours per week within 20 years. The problem would be to figure out what to do with all our excess time! Hmmm! Doesn’t seem to have worked out that way does it..? Actually, even with all the technology advances, people are working more hours (not less) and do you know anybody trying to figure out what to do with the excess time on their hands..? Me either!
Do you know how to experience rest? Sure, you can take a nap if you’re tired, or go on vacation to get a break! But let me ask you…
- Where do you find spiritual rest?
- How do you deal with the deeper issues of your life?
In a familiar Bible passage Jesus said, ‘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 and you will find rest for your souls!’ (Matthew 11: 28-30)
‘Come to me!’ Jesus said. Why? Because there is only one place to find rest for our souls…and that is through a personal relationship with Jesus. Not in work, not in drugs, not in sex! People have an inner hunger/thirst that only God can satisfy. Jesus said ‘I am the bread of life; if any man is thirsty let him come to me and drink!’
‘Take my yoke!’ In Bible times that meant to submit oneself to a teacher/rabbi. We often see the word “yoke” as a negative – a set of rules & religion. Jesus is talking about the “yoke of relationship” which is a positive because it connects us to Him.
‘Learn from me!’ There is so much about life that we need to learn, and if you think you’ve learned it all, you’ve learned nothing! Who better to teach us than the author of life? It seems the older we get, the more entrenched we become in our ways and beliefs. But hey, we’re never too old to learn about love, forgiveness, peace! Throughout our lives we continually need to learn about how to nurture relationships – with each other, and with God! You know, you really can teach an old dog…if he’s willing to learn! The question is…are you?