Resting In Jesus, pt 4
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear Heavenly Father, how can I rest when there is so much need and hurt in the world? Remind me today that rest is necessary and so is good works. You provide both for us. Thank you.
READ:
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
REFLECT:
Good works done to glorify Jesus is rest for the soul. Ephesians 2:10 declares it: God created us to do good things.
The last service project I helped with was physically exhausting. It was a full day spent lifting and moving items for a charity. Think back to a tiring day you spent doing something good for someone else. Experiences like these show that while the body might be spent, there remains an undeniable bounce to the spirit. It feels good to serve others in Jesus’ name.
We glorify Jesus through our good works. We don’t need to brag about what we do, the positive news has a way of getting out. Christians, Matthew 5:14 tells us to be a light to the world. Nothing like action to show them that we care – walk the talk. Be the light.
APPLY:
2020 was a doozy of a year for feeling cut off from others and isolated. Our challenge now is to figure out how to “socially distance” and serve others. It can be done. Let’s do it.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, thank you that your yoke is easy and your burden is light. We know that in this life we will be yoked to something. Soften our hearts to your word. Let it be a living thing, shaping and encouraging us. Give us rest. Amen.