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. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:25 – 26, 28 – 30

I am convinced of one thing, it is impossible to be a disciple of Jesus Christ without the presence and aid of the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit speaks the truth.

This passage is imbedded in Jesus’ first general sending of the disciples, to minister among the people without Jesus actually being with them. We recall his words as he sent them out.  “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.  Matthew 10:16 – 18

That sounds somber, does it not?  Weak sheep among ravenous wolves.  Being flogged by “good” people in the synagogues.  Standing before powerful rulers who hate them.  Welcome to the call of God!  I suppose I would have expected a less arduous promise.

When I opened my heart, in desperation, for Jesus to reach out and save me I had only one thing in mind – to find peace with God and rest for my soul.  As I look back, I am thankful that Jesus received me just like I was, penitent and broken.  His peace flooded my soul.  That was simply marvelous.

But that is not the end of the story.  For the past 72 years, in a bewildering variety of challenges, the Lord led me into situations that I find it difficult, now, to believe.  But even more wonderful was that He was there in me to meet those challenges. I was not always pliable and obedient, but my love for Jesus never wavered.

So, the promises he made to his disciples in this passage came true for me and Anna Ruth.    “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  The call to follow Christ is a challenge, but the promise that Jesus wants to come into our lives to comfort us is what it is all about!  Jesus promised, “But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”  Matthew 10:19, 20

The secret is revealed, the Spirit of God who is in us speaks.  Can there be a better promise?  I think not.