Revelations 22:12-21

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Read Revelations 22:12-21 Verses for meditation: Revelations 22:12-13, 16, 20-21 ESV: 12 "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Reflect How does it feel to be reading the very last few verses of the bible? What do the proclamations, the last few of them, say about Christ? Come, Lord Jesus! Does this really express our desire? How does the greatest book end, and on what note? But is this really the end? Relate With mixed feelings, I'm writing this last devotion based on the final ten verses of the greatest book, the bible. What a journe...
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Matthew 11-12 "Finding Rest"

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READ: Matthew 11-12.

Verses chosen for meditation: Matthew 11:28-30.

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

 

REFLECT

In the Old Testament, God handed down rules regarding what not to do on the Sabbath in order to embrace rest. In the New Testament, Jesus offered a new way. Rather than stressing regulations, Jesus called the disciples into relationship – go to Jesus who is the Source of strength and rest (Matt 11:28).

The ongoing divine help Jesus enjoyed from the Father, is the same we can experience as well, because He is one with His Father (Matt 11: 25-26). Jesus concluded in verse 30, saying that being “yoked” together with Him is “light.” The word “light” describes something that is not burdensome, but light or easy. The word “easy” in the same verse means pleasurable, delightful, or comfortable. Burdens that were once hard and wearisome because we were doing it all alone, becomes pleasurable and lighter. This is only possible, and work becomes so much delight when we partner with Jesus.

When we are yoked together with Jesus, even the most difficult assignments become pleasurable. Situations that would normally make us uneasy become comfortable. Yes indeed, being “yoked” together with Jesus changes the atmosphere and brings peace to us.

 

RELATE

The word “burdened” reminds me of the several burdens that I carried recently. One concerns my daughter in Australia, who has to manage two young kids (one toddler and one new-born baby) with limited support from immediate family. My sleeps then were disturbed with heavy hearts, being awakened for several nights. When awakened, I remember Jesus’ invitation: “Come to me, those who are weary and burdened.” With that, I prayed immediately and committed the concern to Jesus (Phil 4:6-7) and His extraordinary peace came upon me. Indeed, my All-knowing God understands the concerns of this group of people – “the weary and burdened”, including me.

Experiencing rest for our souls and resting well in Christ have more to do with relationship than regulation. Jesus’ call was to go to Him whereby He can offer us rest (Matt 11:28). What Jesus was referring was more than the rest from a good night’s sleep. He offers more than what any fun activities or programmes can offer for rest. Although light-hearted programmes or activities may be good sources of rest, the respite they offer is short-lived and dependent on our circumstances.

Contrary, the “rest” Jesus gives is lasting and assured by His unchanging character. Being always good, God gives us true rest and peace for our souls even amid trouble because we know that everything is under His perfect control. We can trust and submit to Jesus, endure, and even thrive in difficult situations because of the strength and restoration only He can give. Becoming “yoked” to Jesus in our daily lives and in every of our endeavour is a premeditated, determined choice. It is not something that occurs accidentally. Just as two animals that are “yoked” together make a job much easier and more manageable, the strength of Jesus and us together is unbeatable! That is why the Lord said, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light”.

 

REST

Song: “Be Still My Soul” (Kari Jobe).

https://youtu.be/mq59iE3MhXM?si=h7RSRbHIGEh10v3o

Vincent

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