Isaiah 30:15 “For thus said the Lord God the Holy One of Israel, In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall you be your strength”

 

Matthew 11:28-29 “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.”

 

Context:

Israel had been tempted to rely on Egypt when faced with political and military threats from another superpower of the ancient world, Assyria. While Israel obstinately refused to rely on the Lord, Judah was accused of rejecting Isaiah’s prophetic words during this period (686-650 B.C). Only repentance would demonstrate radical faith in the Lord. Only the Lord could provide what his people sought for from Egypt. He is their true strength.

 

The Matthew passage reveals Jesus as the Son of God whose sovereign authority enables him to invite people to himself. This is the only place in the New Testament where Jesus describes himself as ‘gentle and lowly.’ He extends his invitation first to the weary and burdened, and secondly to the strong and comfortable. As one pastor phrased it recently, ‘Jesus is good news to the poor; but he’s an inconvenience to the comfortable.’

 

Questions for Reflection:

  1. What do you need to repent of this week?
  2. Name what burdens you are carrying. Ask the Lord to take them.
  3. Accept Jesus’ invitation to receive his rest for your soul today. Throughout your day, remind yourself that he keeps his promises.

 

Prayer Pointers:

  • Ask the Lord for quietness. Not just literal quietness, but a freedom from distraction and a Holy Spirit-given focus on the Lord!
  • Ask the Lord to reveal to you his gentle and lowly nature. Spend some unhurried time in his presence this week.