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Matthew 11:29 (ESV) “…learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Dane Ortlund’s book Gentle and Lowly takes a detailed look at this passage, unraveling the mysteries of Jesus as gentle and lowly of heart.
Ortlund writes, “The point in saying that Jesus is lowly is that he is accessible. For all his resplendent glory and dazzling holiness, his supreme uniqueness and otherness, no one in human history has ever been more approachable than Jesus Christ.” Ortlund continues, “The posture most natural to him isn’t a pointed finger but open arms.”
Read that last sentence again, slowly. “The posture most natural to him isn’t a pointed finger but open arms.”
If this statement is true (and it is), then it means that you don’t have anything to fear when it comes to approaching Jesus. He welcomes you. You are safe in His presence. You belong. You are loved. The more you experience the intensity of His love and grace, the more others will see something extraordinary different about you.
READING & PRAYERS:
MATTHEW 11:28-30 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: In what ways would those you interact with on a regular basis recognize you as a follower of Jesus?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Continue to live your life at the pace of your soul. Slow down in order to catch up to the pace in which God created you to live.
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m very grateful for the reminder that no one in human history has ever been more approachable than Jesus. Too often I fear approaching Jesus, believing the lie that He won’t accept me. Today, may I rid myself of this lie and approach Jesus with confidence, knowing I am accepted and loved. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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