REST FOR THE RESTLESS

TEXT: MATTHEW 11:16-30.
🔑KEY VERSE “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest” (MATTHEW 11:

Imagine that you have no money, friends or food at home. Suddenly, an old friend appears and asked you to tell him your problems. To prove his seriousness, he brings out a chequebook, signs his name and asks you to write any amount of money you need. What will be your reaction?

In our text, Jesus compared men of His generation to children in the street who will not respond to the call of their friends in spite of their entreaties. He upbraided the cities which were unrepentant in spite of the mighty works done in them. He thereafter appreciated the Father for the revelation of the gospel to mankind and made a solemn call to all who were heavy laden with sins, yokes and cares of life to come to Him for rest.

Many labour in vain and languish in poverty. Others labour in self-righteousness, immorality, idolatry, servitude to Satan, fear, unfulfilled dreams and demonic bondage. There are others who seek healing, protection, wealth and salvation in the wrong places. There are also those who are heavy laden with guilt, anxiety, oppression, depression, obsession, sicknesses and fear of death. Like the man with the open cheque,

Jesus wants you to come to Him and write whatever your problems are in His chequebook.

You must heed His call now by confessing your sins and forsaking them, accepting Him as your Lord and personal Saviour. When you are yoked with Him, you get and become the best.

Hurry now and follow Him until the end and He will grant you rest here on earth and in heaven. Do not be restless any longer. Go to Jesus and He will give you rest. Take a step and move to Him. He is knocking at the door of your heart. If you hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to you and help you.

✍THOUGHT FOR THE DAY There is rest for those who heed Jesus’ call.

BIBLE IN A YEAR: DEUTERONOMY 17-20.

MEDITATION

From knowledge to experience

1. A generational problem vv16-20.
   a. Indifference to different methods God use to catch man’s attention vv16,17.
   b. God, for example, is using COVID-19 to catch the attention of this generation and make them seek His face.
   c. Rationalising away different methods God use to turn man’s attention to Himself vv18,19.
   d. God uses or allows different things, either positive or negative to turn man to Him, how sensitive are you to God?
   e. You must distinguish yourself from the indifferent generational response to God and draw closer to God.
   Lord, give me wisdom and teach me to discern your message to me at all times
   Lord, let not the indifference and rationalization mindset of this generation cloud my mind from being sensitive to the Holy Spirit
2. A judgemental perspective vv20-24.
   a. Judgement will be according to the privilege you have concerning the knowledge of the truth vv21,23.
   b. Judgement will also be grouped according to the nation and generation you belong vv22,24.
   Lord, give me grace to stand with Christ and not to be conformed with this world
3. A solemn invitation vv28.
   a. It is an invitation by the Saviour to the Saviour v28. Not an invitation to a religion, Church or creed.
   b. It is an invitation from slave market of sin and bondage to freedom and rest v28.
   c. It is an invitation to learn of Christ and be Christlike v29.
   d. It is an invitation to exchange the cruel and deceptive yoke of worldliness for the yoke of discipleship vv29,30.
   e. It is an invitation to a closer walk with Christ vv29,30.
   Pray for those reading Daily Manna that have not really responded to the call of Christ to have light and grace to surrender to Him
   Pray for a closer walk with Christ at this time that God is speaking to us through COVID-19

HYMN Draw me nearer, blessed Lord

1
I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith,
And be closer drawn to Thee.
Chorus
Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.
2
Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the pow’r of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.
3
O the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God,
I commune as friend with friend!
4
There are depths of love that I yet may know
Ere Thee face to face I see;
There are heights of joy that I yet may reach
Ere I rest in peace with Thee.