Rest: more than a four-letter word?

Listen here:  https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/1f27c782/rest-more-than...

Need a Little Rest? 

One time as I was nearing the Shepherd’s Fields in Bethlehem, a young boy with a little lamb in his arms approached me. Young animals undo me, and I was immediately smitten. When I reached out to pet her, he extended the lamb toward me and asked, ‘Want to hold?’ ‘Oh yes, oh yes!’ I took 'Rosa' in my arms - a soft beautiful big-eyed lamb of brown and white, she just snuggled right in.

There is something about being in Bethlehem, looking down the hillside of the Shepherd’s Fields that fills my heart with wonder and awe. We oft talk about this area at Christmas time because it is where the the gospel of Luke says, ----->

Shepherds were living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, 

and the glory of the Lord shone around them, 

and they were greatly afraid. (can you just imagine the grandeur?)

Then the angel said to them,

“Do not be afraid, for behold, 

I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”1

Think about this-- it was to shepherds that God chose to announce Jesus’ birth--shepherds who had no social standing in the culture. They were usually dirty and nearly always smelled like the sheep they bedded down near. But interestingly, God revered them. And clearly, he also had a thing for sheep because he referred to us as sheep more than 200 times in scripture. hmmm

The shepherd knows his sheep must rest, but it is tough to get sheep to lie down. Everything has to be right in the world for the sheep to sleep -- no fear, no hunger, no flies buzzing around his head and no friction in the flock. If any of these are present - no lying down, no sleep. A flock that is restless, discontented, always agitated and disturbed never does well.2

And the same is true for people. Rest is critical for us to thrive. Sabbath rest. Rest at the end of a good day’s work. Rest from ever-present cellphones and social media. Rest from the 24-7 news cycle. Rest. Just rest. [people tell me I do not do it well]

How I love David’s faith-filled Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He guides me where I should go and takes care of my needs...

He makes me lie down in green pastures; God offers sustenance…

He leads me beside the still waters.  refreshment and peace... 

He restores my soul . . .  God offers reconnection daily, and a refilling of his Spirit.

Our precious Shepherd invites us into rest. 

‘Rest?!’ you ask, and a cacophony of worries floods your mind, robbing you of true rest. 

But for a moment picture with me Jesus’ compassionate eyes as he gave this personal invitation perhaps with hand extended: “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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.3 

Are you tired? Maybe even worn out for various reasons? Jesus invites you to take his yoke upon you . . . picture an ox yoke. If you get in the yoke with Jesus, he will do the heavy lifting. And you will find rest. ‘Cast all your cares on him because he cares for you!4

I think of how that little lamb, sweet Rosa, settled right down in my arms which were glad to hold her. Our Good Shepherd’s arms are open wide to receive and hold us close. Cast your cares on him, friend, and rest in his loving care.

and now to the most amazing church in the land, Brooklyn Tabernacle - Shane & Shane and the choir: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgyXUhw9Ie8 Rest.

Christine

PastorWoman.net

1 - Luke 2.8-14

2 - A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, W. Phillip Keller

3 - Matthew 11.28-30

4 - 1 Peter 5.7