What's a Hard Pursuit?
Regardless of our age, vocation, gender, or background, Christ calls us to take up our cross and follow him. Following Christ is never an easy task - it is always a hard pursuit.
God's Glorious Weaker Vessels
If you want to have a clearer picture of God’s power and might, his ability to defeat his enemies, and bring them to judgment, pay attention to the men of Israel in the book of Judges. If you want to have a clearer picture of the depths of mankind’s corruption and his stubborn refusal to follow the Lord, pay attention to the men of Israel in the book of Judges. If you want to have a clearer picture of the Lord’s covenant faithfulness, his desire to selflessly care for his people, and the glory of Christ in the gospel, pay attention to the women of Israel in the book of Judges.
A Kind and Gentle King
Come to me, all 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 11:28-30
What an invitation! In a mere 10-15 seconds, Jesus speaks some of the most comforting words we find in Scripture. Come to Jesus for gentle and humble instruction. Come to Jesus for deep, satisfying rest. Come to Jesus to have your burdens lifted. But what should we make of the word picture Jesus uses to illustrate his offer? Everyone who labors under a heavy burden should place themselves under Jesus’ yoke where their labors can be made easy, and their burdens can be made light. We can exchange a taxing yoke for a pleasant one. But what does it mean to take Jesus’ yoke upon us?
When Does Forsaken Mean Not Forsaken?
The crucifixion and resurrection are the culmination of the incarnation. All of Jesus’ life and ministry build up to his death on the cross and his rising from the dead. It is at this moment, when Jesus hangs on the cross, that many believe God the Father forsakes God the Son as he bears the sin of the world. But is this understanding correct? Did God the Father turn away from the Son in his darkest hour?
Not Created Equal
Have you ever seen someone doing something wrong and had to remind yourself, “Who am I to judge? Their sin is no worse than my sin. We are all in need of God’s grace.” That last statement is a beautiful truth - we are all sinners in need of God’s grace. But what about the statement before it? Is one person’s sin just as bad as any other person’s sin? We commonly hear this, but it isn’t exactly what Scripture teaches.