Friday December 5, 2008

Friday: Promises Associated with His Name

Welcome back to "Praying the Names of Jesus." If you missed the explanation for the name of
Jesus we're studying this week, click here or scroll down to Monday's entry.

One of the most winsome promises Jesus made to his followers was the promise of rest. But when was the last time you felt rested? Like the people Jesus was addressing, we often feel burdened by "laws" we have difficulty keeping. In our case, it may not be laws made by religious leaders but by our culture or by our families. Our children must be perfect, our bodies shapely, our careers impressive. The list of standards that we consciously or unconsciously adopt can be endless.

Of course we can also get bogged down in legalistic forms of religion that produce weariness rather than peace and joy. This is why some of us feel so fatigued despite Jesus' promise that his burden is light. Part of the secret of receiving the rest Jesus speaks of is to be sure that we are wearing the right "yoke." A yoke is an instrument used to harness two animals together so that they can combine their strength to carry a load. Jesus tells us his burden is light not because it is easy but because he is on the other side of the yoke, helping us to serve with his strength. Ask Jesus today to free you, his servant, from burdens he does not want you to carry. Tell him you want to rest in his promises and trust in his strength.

Promises in Scripture

The Lord redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him. (Psalm 34:22)

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. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 22:1-5)

--Ann Spangler

Adapted from "Praying the Names of Jesus" by Ann Spangler, with permission. Each day for five weeks, learn to better understand the nature and character of Jesus through his many names. Did you miss any entries? Stay subscribed to this feed and you'll receive the entries you missed once the feed restarts.

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