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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Sunday, June 1, 2003 REST STOPS AND SOUL RESTING |
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Frontline Devotion for Sunday, June 1, 2003 by Pastor Dave Sonnenberg
Today's Text: Matthew 11: 28-30
Many of you will be driving to various places for vacation this summer. For some, that will mean lengthy trips in the car. When my family travels, we try to go as far as possible without stopping. Even as I say that, I have come to appreciate that the rest stop is critical for our family cohesiveness.
Many of us can picture rest stops along the highway. They present us with an opportunity to pause from the 65miles per hour traffic (or higher) and sit still. We can freshen up. We can take a walk. We can get out the picnic basket and eat together. In our case, the rest stop enables the kids to run around and be kids, not cooped up passengers. In some cases, the rest stop enables us all to step away from each other for a few minutes so we can regroup if needed. Resting while traveling is critical! It makes the whole trip easier.
In the midst of our daily lives, we too are often moving at rapid pace and need some soul resting. The trip through life is not easy. Even though I am not a farmer, I appreciate the image in our lesson today. Jesus says, take my yoke upon you. Literally, a yoke is a neck brace to hold two animals together. It is used to discipline them and keep them together. It enables them to work together. They are in partnership. For some, the yoke may be a sign of imprisonment because it hinders one from doing whatever they want. But, what Jesus is saying to us is that his yoke or his ways steer us toward health, wholeness, and a life of joy. In our lives, we too often try and do the steering. Today's text reminds us that Gods steering is always meant to move me in the right direction. Pausing to rest and remember that is so critical. Resting reminds us that we need to celebrate that partnership with God and work with him, not against him.
Frontline Devotions will be published daily from now on. I have a team of 6 people who will be working with me to help you pause daily and do some soul resting. I encourage you to pause and make devotions a daily ritual whereby you remind yourself that you are joined in partnership with God.
Prayer of the Day: Lord God, we give you thanks this day for the gift of partnership with you. You will never leave our side. Tear down our walls of resistance. Enable us to pause each day and celebrate your constant presence and leadership in our lives. Give us rest and peace. Amen
Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. They will also be posted to the web site if you want to direct others to our web site for more information. Sign up by clicking on the box below
All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry. Pastor Dave welcomes and appreciates feedback. pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org