Born to be Free
Opening Prayer
Lord, I can safely trust You with my every burden. You care about me and You are able to carry it all.
Read Matthew 11:20-30
[20] Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. [21] “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. [22] But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. [23] And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. [24] But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” [25] At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. [26] Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. [27] “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. [28] “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Who does Jesus identify as receiving the secrets of heaven?Some years ago we moved to the States and spent a few years living in Virginia. One evening soon after our arrival, I was on my way home from work driving in the dark and the rain and the heavy traffic. I needed to get some milk, so decided to head into the nearest grocery store. Jumping out of the car, I dashed to the refrigerated section–and stood and stared and burst into tears. All I wanted was two pints of ordinary milk. I was faced with the largest selection of every kind of milk in every flavor, every size, every fat percentage you could possibly imagine. It was too much, and making a decision was exhausting and debilitating. Our lives today are full of enormous choices, of pressures from everything available to us in every area of our lives. We are surrounded by choice in important and not-so-important areas, in urgent things and not-so-urgent things. How can we know where to turn and what to choose? Choose me, says Jesus (28). Come to me and choose me first, and I will set you free. Then other things will fall more easily into place.
Apply
Reread verses 25 through 30. Choose a few verses and commit them to memory.
Closing prayer
Lord, I need Your freedom. Give me courage and strength to choose You and follow You always.
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