Scripture References: Matthew 11:28-30 (paraphrase); Romans 7:15-25; Song of Solomon 1:5; Luke 7:36-50
Intro: Concluding our series on finding rest for weary souls (Matt 11:28-30), we address a core truth: real rest eludes us unless we learn to receive God's love and grace in our weakness. It's easy to feel loved when we're "crushing it," but what happens when we stumble, fail, or are confronted with our sin? Where we turn next is crucial.
Key Points:
- The Struggle is Real (Romans 7): Paul's raw honesty in Romans 7 mirrors our own experience: wanting to do good but doing wrong, feeling trapped in sin, crying out, "What a wretched man I am!" This internal conflict and awareness of falling short is part of the journey.
- The Critical Response: Run To Jesus: When faced with failure and wretchedness, Paul didn't stay swirling in shame. His immediate response was: "Who will rescue me?... Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ!" The key is turning towards Jesus in our weakness, not shrinking back.
- Holding the Tension: Dark But Lovely (Song 1:5): True self-awareness in Christ involves recognizing both realities: "I am dark" (sinful, weak, falling short) and "I am lovely" (accepted, delighted in, loved by God). Holding this tension prevents despair and fosters humility. We must know we're loved despite our darkness.
- Jesus Welcomes the Broken (Luke 7): The "sinful woman" crashed the Pharisee's dinner, acutely aware of her darkness, yet drawn to Jesus. He didn't condemn her but received her extravagant worship, defended her, and declared her forgiven ("forgiven much, loves much"). Jesus treasures heartfelt love born from acknowledging need, over self-righteous judgment.
- Receiving Love in Weakness = Rest: True, deep rest comes when we trust God enjoys us even in our immaturity and failures. It's receiving His grace precisely when we feel unworthy. When we stop hiding or hating our weakness and instead bring it to Him, accepting His love there, we find peace and freedom.
Conclusion: Rest isn't found in achieving perfection or eliminating weakness. It's discovered in the consistent practice of receiving God's unwavering love and grace, especially when confronted with our own sin and failure. Like Paul, like the sinful woman, we find peace not by hiding our darkness, but by bringing it into the light of Christ's overwhelming love and acceptance.
Call to Action: Identify an area of weakness or failure where you struggle to receive God's love. Reject shame and self-hatred. Choose to believe the truth: you are "dark, but lovely" in His eyes. When you stumble, make the conscious choice to turn to Jesus, not away. Come to communion today embracing His grace for your weakness, receiving His love and rest.
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