July 6, 2017
“The Way”- a weekly devotional
Gospel Lesson for
July 9, 2017
Matthew 11:16-19; 25-30
16 “But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another,
17 ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we wailed, and you did not mourn.’
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; 19 the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”
25 At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, 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.”
Dear Friends,
A little bit of knowledge goes a long way…the early church frequently compared Jesus to Wisdom (vs. 19b) in the Hebrew scriptures (Proverbs). The metaphor made him Wisdom with whom God created the heavens and the earth. She (Wisdom) was in the beginning with God and were true ideas that were the world’s foundation.
Another little tidbit…rabbis were known to call Wisdom a “yoke.” Thus, the verse “learn from me.”
Burdens then are ideas that weigh us down, demoralize us, shame us, imprison us within our heads. It is most readily understood by those who have been beaten down by life. But is there anyone who hasn’t? Is there anyone who would not welcome the yoke of a Friend who reassures us that we are loved and valued by God?
Wisdom helps us see the world and ourselves in a different way – as God sees us, loves us, treasures us, and blesses us on our way.
Peace to you, Keith
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