The Lord Beckons!
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I went to the new VFS Passport Processing Center in Accra recently to renew my passport; and when given the choice, I chose the regular process over the VIP process, to save some money. The submission of documents, photographing and general initial processing seemed the same for both the VIP and regular, and I basked in my perceived “wisdom”. But when I was going to collect the passport, I was directed to a back shed when they got to know I applied as a regular. I got there and immediately regretted not opting for the VIP option! I found a huge crowd of people, in a space designed in a stadium-style seating arrangement, all waiting to collect their passports. They had frustration written all over their faces!
You can imagine my relief when the collection agent examined my slips and directed me back to the VIP section! My wife had earlier used the VIP process to apply for my son, and had given me the slip to collect it! I received both passports while sitting at the VIP lounge!
The relief I got when I was transferred from the regular collection point to the VIP collection point reminds me of the kind of relief that comes when we are transferred from the anxiety, fear and hopelessness that the world offers, to the peace and hope that we get in Christ.
God is always inviting us to His peace and rest.
Read Matthew 11:25-30
At that time Jesus answered and said,
“I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.
Come to Me, all you 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.” (Matthew 11:25-30)
Jesus had earlier received the messengers from John the Baptist, who was in prison, asking him,
“Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” (vv.3)
Jesus told them to go and tell him what they see and hear;
“The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.” (vv.5)
Jesus said a lot about John the Baptist. Among other things, He said John was the messenger that was to come before Him (vv. 10), and said there was no one greater than John the Baptist among those born of women, but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than him (vv. 11), and even said John was Elijah who was to come (vv. 14)!
But then He got frustrated at the recalcitrance of this generation and likened it to children dancing in the market place and calling their companions saying:
We played the flute for you,
And you did not dance;
We mourned to you,
And you did not lament.’
In this concluding part of Matthew 11 titled, “Jesus Gives True Rest”, in the New King James Version,Jesus calmed down and started talking about God’s mysteries, hidden from the wise and prudent; and revealed to babes; and how God had delivered all things to Him. He said no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son, “and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him” (vv. 27). Then He made a confident and authoritative call saying:
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (vv. 28)
Jesus went on further to say,
My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (vv. 30)
Jesus is telling us that He is the Son of God, with signs and wonders to prove it. He says He doesn’t call just anyone, so anyone He calls is special! And He assures us that His yoke (expectation) is easy; and His burden is light. He doesn’t understand what is still preventing some of us to heed His call!
Jesus knows us and knows what we can carry.
His special invitation is available to us today. Will you?
MEMORY VERSE
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
QUESTIONS
1. Are you weary and carrying a heavy burden?
2. Jesus invites you to an easy yoke, and a light burden.
PRAYER TIP
Father, please energize us to respond to Your call today.
Written by:
BENNY MALM
For:
TESTIMONY DEVOTIONAL
URGENT CALL
By nature, we are all sinful, and alienated from God. We ultimately face the wrath of God!
But God in His mercy and love gives us a chance to reverse this trend, join His family, be part of His household, and become His children.
The first step to becoming a member of God’s household is for us to be saved.
Salvation comes through accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Personal Savior.
It is a very personal decision. No one can make for you.
If you make that decision today, there will be great singing and rejoicing in heaven; because one new member has joined the family and household of God!
Do you want to make that decision today?
Please visit “The Believer’s Prayer” for guidance if you want to make that decision.
We will be happy to hear from you through the contact information on that page.
God richly bless you
SPECIAL GRATITUDE
Thank you for visiting the Testimony Devotional Website.
We would not have gotten here without your prayers, goodwill and overall support. We are grateful, and humbled.
We thank God for counting us worthy to share in His Great Commission; and we thank you for sticking with us through this journey.
God richly bless you.
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