The Resistance - Day 11
Day 11: Monday, February 13
Read Matthew 11:11-30
Highlight
Sometimes burnout is the result of disappointment or what feels like the absence of progress despite your best effort. We find Jesus in Matthew in many ways at the height of his ministry. The chapters preceding Matthew 11 tell of the many miracles Jesus and his disciples have been performing. He has been teaching and training the disciples and has just sent them out to the surrounding towns and villages to do their own ministry of healing and proclaiming that the Kingdom of Heaven is finally here. This is a message the Jews have been waiting on for hundreds of years! They are seeing long foretold prophecies of their people played out right in front of them. And yet, many still do not believe. Even Jesus knows what it’s like to labor, seemingly in vain. And yet, rather than giving in to despair and exhaustion, Jesus ends his speech with hope. He resists discouragement by acknowledging the sovereignty of the Father, taking solace in the intimate relationship they have, and then invites the crowds to enjoy that same rest and peace. He reminds them, and maybe himself, that this is the message he was sent to bring. He has come that they may have peace.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the burden that this passage showed you is keeping you from rest.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to find peace.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Read Matthew 11:11-30
Highlight
Sometimes burnout is the result of disappointment or what feels like the absence of progress despite your best effort. We find Jesus in Matthew in many ways at the height of his ministry. The chapters preceding Matthew 11 tell of the many miracles Jesus and his disciples have been performing. He has been teaching and training the disciples and has just sent them out to the surrounding towns and villages to do their own ministry of healing and proclaiming that the Kingdom of Heaven is finally here. This is a message the Jews have been waiting on for hundreds of years! They are seeing long foretold prophecies of their people played out right in front of them. And yet, many still do not believe. Even Jesus knows what it’s like to labor, seemingly in vain. And yet, rather than giving in to despair and exhaustion, Jesus ends his speech with hope. He resists discouragement by acknowledging the sovereignty of the Father, taking solace in the intimate relationship they have, and then invites the crowds to enjoy that same rest and peace. He reminds them, and maybe himself, that this is the message he was sent to bring. He has come that they may have peace.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
- What truth does this passage communicate about God? About us?
- Has God used this passage to highlight a heavy burden you are carrying?
- What does this passage teach us to do? How can you receive Jesus’ invitation to find rest for your soul?
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the burden that this passage showed you is keeping you from rest.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to find peace.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Posted in The Resistance