Monday, May 2nd

From: The Message/Remix: Solo, An Uncommon Devotional Day 208

Read

The scripture reading for today is Matthew 11:28-30. Read the passage slowly.  Here is a link to that passage in an online bible:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-30&version=NRSV

Think

Read the passage again, listening for the words or phrases that stand out to you, such as:

•    “come to me”
•    “recover your life”
•    “real rest”
•    “walk with me and work with me”
•    “watch how I do it”
•    “keep company with me”

Notice the many different ways Jesus says, “Hang out with me.”  Which one do you find most inviting? Why?

What would it feel like to walk with Jesus and work with him?  It’s okay to be honest; “freely and lightly” may not describe what you think it would really be like. Instead you might think it would be forced and difficult.  If so, what would you desire for it to be like?

Have you feared that a walk with Jesus might require heavy or ill-fitting things? What are they?

Pray

Jesus speaks very personally and conversationally in this passage, using phrases like “Come to me.”  In fact, I or me occurs eight times, and you occurs five times.  So consider that Jesus has been talking to you. What is your reply? What do you need to discuss with Jesus today?

Live

Walk with Jesus, either in your mind or on an actual walk.  As you do, turn these words from Jesus over in your mind: rest, unforced, keep company with me, freely, lightly.