24 Words - Rest

This is the first of 24 blog posts each day in June as part of a challenge to remember my sister Anna Murray who died on 20th October 2019.  You can read my reflections on my sister here and watch a film I made about her here.  If you want to donate to Pancreatic Cancer UK you can do so here.  These posts will be short 'thoughts' rather than detailed blog posts.

I've been hugely impacted by Dane Ortland's book 'Gentle and Lowly - the Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers'.  I've reviewed it here.  In his opening chapter Ortland says that in the 89 chapters of the four gospels there is only one place where Jesus talks about his heart.  Let these words sink deeply into your soul;

Come to me, all who labour 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.  (Matt 11 v 28-30)

It feels like a word in season for as we stumble through an international epidemic, race riots in America and the very stark reality that the world is a cruel and unjust place in so many ways.  Rage is everywhere.  Where do we turn?  Politicians let us down.  There is anger, anxiety and uncertainty.  Where can we find comfort and rest?

Jesus could have emphasised many things as he revealed his heart but he chose to communicate his gentleness.  This word is used on three other occasions in the NT in Matt 5 v 5, Matt 21 v 5 and 1 Peter 3 v 4.  Sometimes, as in Matt 5 v 5 the word 'meek' is used , in Matt 21 v 5 'humble' is used.  Gentle, meek and humble is who Jesus is.  The heart in biblical terms means the centre of who we are.  As Ortland says: 'He (Jesus) is the most understanding person in the universe.  The posture most natural to him is not a pointed finger but open arms.'  Wow.  I need reminded of that ever day.  If you are frazzled with lock-down there is good news.  Jesus' very heart towards you is gentleness.

But Jesus is not just gentle but he is also 'lowly in heart'.  Today, Jesus is near the broken.  This king is accessible and approachable.  What are the qualifications for access to Jesus?  That you are 'weak and heavy laden'.  And what do we get?  Rest.  I don't know about you but rest is something that has alluded me during lockdown.  Whether it has been anxiety or grief I'm not sure but I haven't rested well over these last 10 weeks.  I have tried to do too much and pray too little.  I have failed to heed that simple invitation - 'come to me'.  It is in Christ that we have rest.  The yoke he lays on us us is light and easy.  Christs yoke is one of kindness and gentleness.  Even in the midst of the storms of life we can know a place of peace and rest in Christ.  As Ortland says: 'He (Christ) doesn't simply meet us in our place of need: he lives in our place of need.  He never tires of sweeping us into his tender embrace.  It is his very heart.'

Are you tired today?  Are you weary and heavy laden?  Rest in Christ.  Experience his gentleness and kindness.