Rest for the Weary
October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and I am seeing all over church in this nation and beyond the immense pressure and fatigue that has set in on some of our dear church leaders. Whether they are church planters or leaders of small churches or pastors of multicultural churches or very large ones, the last two years have been hard in so many ways, and in some new ways too.
The pandemic hits the top of the list for creating a myriad of new challenges, changes and hard questions for pastors and elders and deacons and members. But the politicization of this disease in an election year, and the polarization of the culture in the United States especially, has laid great burdens on the hearts of pastors. Especially multi-cultural churches with a wide array of people in their midst felt the harsh winds hitting them hard.
We could describe the problem for a long time as I’ve heard it across the country in the loss of friends and family members, financial setbacks, job changes, high reactivity in people, isolation, depression and so much more. But how does Jesus invite us to come to him if we are weary and burdened?
In Matthew 11:28-29, Jesus invites us to come “and I will give you rest”. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever, and he keeps his promises. “Come to me” is our choice, and our part in the invitation. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me” is also our choice, and our second part in the invitation.
In this storm, come closer to Me, Jesus says. (“And I will give you rest.”). Make Me your focus, not the circumstances. Gaze on Me longer, and glance less at the problems. Like Colossians 3 after seeing the incredible supremacy of Christ in chapter 1, “Set your heart on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God…since you have been raised with Christ.” The gospel of God re-positions us into setting our minds on the realms of heaven, not merely on earthly things. From there, our trust and peace can grow again, we can be re-centered in his love.
The Apostle Paul writes these letters from prison in Rome, near the end of his life, having faced massive persecution for the gospel’s sake. He comes to Jesus from prison and finds rest and revelation that still blesses millions of us today. His eyes are on the prize.
Another prison letter, Philippians 4, concludes with the call to rejoice in the Lord always. Prayer to God is commended as a great alternative to anxiety, and the “peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” And then these words that bring the God of peace to be with you: “Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.” You are meditating on God-sightings.
I recently rested into the Lord in Colorado Springs in the middle of 27 days on the road out of 35. John 15 was my focus, abiding in Jesus, and his commands stirred my heart all day as gracious invitations that led to refreshing God-sightings. “Abide in me, and I will abide in you.” (v. 4). “Abide in my love.” (v. 9) “Love each other as I have loved you.” (v. 12) “You also must testify” like the Spirit of God testifies about Jesus (v. 27). I found rest for my soul as I took the Lord’s yoke (rabbinic teaching) on me and learned from him.
Praying for you, pastors and leaders, this October in particular, to come to Jesus and learn his gentle and humble ways for you, with the help of the same Holy Spirit who refreshed our Lord daily in his high calling too.