“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 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 11:27-30
Seven months ago we were just beginning to think about Coronavirus. We were wondering if it might change things, how we should react, and what it might mean for us. When the changes started to appear, I for one was thinking in terms of maybe a month or two. The decisions that the leadership and I made were somewhat piecemeal: a new situation arose and we made choices.
I have to say, I’m tired. Tired of not seeing faces in worship. Tired of washing my hands a hundred times a day. Tired of wearing a mask that fogs up my glasses. Tired of the fear I feel when I think about holding Lexie. Tired of the way everything about this current moment has become a matter of political preference.
It strikes me that while I immediately thought of Jesus’ words “come to me all who are weary and burdened,” I didn’t think about the verse the was right before it: “no one know the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Maybe what I need (and offer to you) is a reminder to look to Jesus, even in my weariness. Maybe the problem is that I am thinking more about me and how everything effects me than I am about Jesus and what he would show me.
I wish this were all over, and yet, I know it is not. I wish I knew what was coming next, and yet, I know I don’t. I wish for a sense of familiarity, and yet, I know we will not go back. Maybe the best thing to wish for is a vision of the Father, even in this moment.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace
Gentle shepherd, guide my soul, protect my heart, and fill my life. May my eyes see you in the faces of all who surround me and may I find my way in your way. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Pastor Tom
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