(Message starts with church member carrying 5-6 heavy suitcases labeled: anger, failure, worry, doubt, guilt, etc...member tries to get seated with baggage. Q & A with Pastor about carrying baggage. Pastor takes baggage from membe and puts it around the cross).
Like Sean many of you are carrying some heavy burdens today. Many of those suitcases are familiar to you, in fact you may have brought them with you today. Let’s look at Matthew chapter 11 to finds some relief for the weary:
Matthew 11:28-30 (CEV)
If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light.
Think about the the burdens we bear:
Guilt
Shame
Past Mistakes
Sorrow
Grief
Anger
Fear
Worry
Resentment
Bitterness
It is important that we have a clear recognition of our need:
We need freedom from Sin, from the past
We need peace about the future, both internal and external
We need forgiveness for the wrongs we have done
We need grace to give and receive
Jesus has made the Invitation: “Come”
Jesus made a personal invitation to each of you. No one is excluded.
He is offering an exchange. Burdens for rest, Heavy loads for lightened loads, Condemnation for grace. And for you a new task. You will be Co-laborers with Jesus working side by side, shoulder to shoulder. The work will not be based on your strength alone.
With this new arrangement come new outcomes:
Learning
Rest
The yoke is a perfect fit, Jesus strength makes up for your weakness
