Every person hears the call of Christ. None is excluded. Even small children will hear the call as they approach accountability. Every person is called; none are excluded. Because they are called, they can, indeed must, respond. Salvation awaits all who listen and obey the gospel call of Christ.
The words of Jesus himself:
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)
Jesus calls all who are burdened and distressed. The idea here is not physical labor but the burden of care, distress, and sin. The promise is rest. Again, the idea is not a good night’s sleep, although that will come when stress is relieved. The promise is of an eternal rest. Some look forward to retirement thinking they will be able to rest and live at leisure. The reality is often vastly different (think honey-do lists). But there is a rest that remains to those who heed Christ’s call (Hebrews 4:9).
The call of Christ requires a response. Jesus says, “Take my yoke and learn of me…” (Matthew 11:28). The idea of a yoke is foreign to those who did not grow up on a farm. It’s a collar-like device placed on the shoulders of a farm animal used for plowing and pulling heavy wagons. Christ calls us to accept his yoke, which is easy and light. There are burdens associated with following Christ. Faithfulness requires difficult decisions and can produce awkward conversations with family and friends. Remember, many have suffered terribly at the hands of persecutors, and like Christ, lost their lives for his cause. I’ll not pretend that the Christian life is a breeze. It’s not. But the reward is unspeakable.
We are also called by Christ to learn of him. Of all the great characters who adorn the pages of history, none is more worthy of study and reflection than the life of Christ. Daily communion with Christ is essential for full growth. Know him and your yoke becomes even lighter.
So, what’s the point? I feel just fine like I am. Sadly, we are not fine; we are not ok. We are broken and consumed by sin. “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). The beauty is that we need not be afraid because Christ saves us.
Paul wrote:
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. (1 Timothy 1:15 emphasis mine, jbe)
Jesus’ purpose for his time on earth was to save us from sin and thus escape certain condemnation and punishment for all eternity. After completing his task, God raised him from the dead and declared him to be “both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:29 – 36).
Christ died to save you. Just as the call of Christ is to all people, so salvation is for all people. God wants all to be saved. (1 Timothy 2:4).
Christ is calling; will you listen?
Every person hears the call of Christ. None is excluded. Even small children will hear the call as they approach accountability. Every person is called; none are excluded. Because they are called, they can, indeed must, respond. Salvation awaits all who listen and obey the gospel call of Christ.
Again, hear these words of Jesus himself:
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)
Jesus calls all who are burdened and distressed. The idea here is not physical labor but the burden of care, distress, and sin. The promise is rest. Again, the idea is not a good night’s sleep, although that will come when stress is relieved. The promise is of an eternal rest. Some look forward to retirement thinking they will be able to rest and live at leisure. The reality is often vastly different (think honey-do lists). But there is a rest that remains to those who heed Christ’s call (Hebrews 4:9).
The call of Christ requires a response. Jesus says, “Take my yoke and learn of me…” (Matthew 11:28). The idea of a yoke is foreign to those who did not grow up on a farm. It’s a collar-like device placed on the shoulders of a farm animal used for plowing and pulling heavy wagons. Christ calls us to accept his yoke, which is easy and light. There are burdens associated with following Christ. Faithfulness requires difficult decisions and can produce awkward conversations with family and friends. Remember, many have suffered terribly at the hands of persecutors, and like Christ, lost their lives for his cause. I’ll not pretend that the Christian life is a breeze. It’s not. But the reward is unspeakable.
We are also called by Christ to learn of him. Of all the great characters who adorn the pages of history, none is more worthy of study and reflection than the life of Christ. Daily communion with Christ is essential for full growth. Know him and your yoke becomes even lighter.
So, what’s the point? I feel just fine like I am. Sadly, we are not fine; we are not ok. We are broken and consumed by sin. “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). The beauty is that we need not be afraid because Christ saves us.
Paul wrote:
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. (1 Timothy 1:15 emphasis mine, jbe)
Jesus’ purpose for his time on earth was to save us from sin and thus escape certain condemnation and punishment for all eternity. After completing his task, God raised him from the dead and declared him to be “both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:29 – 36).
Christ died to save you. Just as the call of Christ is to all people, so salvation is for all people. God wants all to be saved. (1 Timothy 2:4).
Christ is calling; will you listen?
I would be most grateful if you would leave a comment below. Any applause, criticism, thought, or request would be appreciated.
