Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

How does Jesus feel about you?

“I am gentle and humble in heart.” Matthew 11v29

While I was away, I had the privilege of reading some devotional books. One of them was, “The HEART of JESUS – How he Really Feels about You.” The first chapter was focussed on the familiar verses I shared on Sunday, “Come to me you who are weary and 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.” Matthew 11v28-30.

How do you feel Jesus feels about you?

Jesus is not cold and demanding. At his very heart, he is “gentle” and “lowly”.

“Gentle” means he is not reactionary or harsh. He is not easily irritated by you. He is sensitive to how you are feeling. His heart is to welcome you with a warm embrace.

“Lowly” or “humble” (either word is a good translation) means he is accessible and willing to serve you. He has your own best interests at heart. You do not need to raise yourself up to him, but as you open yourself up to him, he stoops down to you to lift you up. You do not need to jump through hoops to receive the Father’s love, you just need to come. And when you do so, he will serve your best interest.

Do you feel heavy today? Do you feel under a mighty burden? Is there something that you just wish you were able to shake off? If so, we can tend to shy away, but that is actually the very qualification for coming to Jesus! Do not stay away, but come in close. As you do so, you will find rest – rest for your soul!

In John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress”, as Christian gazes at the cross, his heavy burden loosens from his shoulders and rolls away down the hill into the tomb – never to be seen again.

May you know God’s rest in your soul today.

With love and blessing,

Roland