A Working Relationship

This week's devotion is authored by James Blake, prayer co-coordinator for our ministry expansion campaign

“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 11:28-30).

“The world serves no other purpose; it was made and continues for God’s Glory. God did not make us for ourselves, but for His own Glory” (Thomas Manton).

Stop and ponder your conviction for what is happening inside of you when you read or hear the Word of God. Do you deeply believe in the power of this ingested relationship with your Father and Creator of all things? These words, and your growing relationship with God, have a much bigger purpose than can be contained in your body or fully understood by your mind (Isaiah 55: 8-9). Think beyond you.

We can “rest” in the fact that our perfect relationship with God has been miraculously restored by the work of Jesus. Fully reconciled, the victory won, we can joyfully put on His yoke. Yet our personal salvation is not the end point; sanctification begets action. And freedom entails responsibility (Galatians 5). Picture a yoke for a moment — is this not a tool for labor? Just don’t forget to look beside you and see that you’re not alone. Remember whose you are, then get to work (Romans 6).

It is not enough to know God’s promise and what He did for us; one must also live out a relationship to be a devoted witness to Christ (James 2:14-26). This yoke is for action, and it calls for walking in the light. Thanks be to Jesus, you are aligned with a better master than when you were younger. Therefore, work more zealously for God than you did serving the devil. Rejoice! Receive God’s blessings. Seek His glory (Romans 11:36).

Hark, the Voice of Jesus Crying

LSB Hymn 826, Stanzas 1 & 4

Hark, the voice of Jesus crying,

“Who will go and work today?

Fields are white and harvests waiting—

Who will bear the sheaves away?”

Loud and long the Master calleth;

Rich reward He offers thee.

Who will answer, gladly saying,

“Here am I, send me, send me”?

Let none hear you idly saying,

“There is nothing I can do,”

While the multitudes are dying

And the Master calls for you.

Take the task He gives you gladly,

Let His work your pleasure be;

Answer quickly when He calleth,

“Here am I, send me, send me!”

About Mindful Monday Devotions

In our season of celebration with Tell the Wonders He Has Done, we continue in our prayerful focus as we look to the months and years ahead with thanksgiving. Join us as we remain in God's strong Word each Monday morning.