The Good News Keeps Getting Better

Without question, the gospel, correctly understood and embraced, is the most liberating, life-changing force in the universe  The good news began at the cross and was ratified by the resurrection.  But it didn’t stop there.  It keeps getting better.

Text:  Matthew 11:25-30 (NIV) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹  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. ³⁰  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

• And Jesus meant it.  There is no bait and switch with God.  Jesus invitation is not come to me and try harder.  He invites us to rest.
• The purpose of the Law was to lead us to Christ.  That doesn’t change after we become believers.
• Philippians 4:6-8 – Be anxious for nothing.  1 Peter 5:7 – Cast all your anxieties.  Hebrews 4:14-16 – Draw near for mercy and grace.

How can I experience this rest, lightness and easiness Jesus promises when God’s word is staring me right in the face, calling out my weaknesses and failings?

Four responses to help us embrace the most challenging of truths, without being intimidated or daunted by them..  These help to put us in a New Covenant paradigm of grace, acquaints us with God’s perfect love that casts out fear, and rightly frames the Lord as the lover of our souls.  Not a demanding taskmaster.

The four responses are Amen!  Yes!  Please!  Thank You!

I.   Amen!

• Means, “I agree with Your word, Lord.” Your word is true.  Your way is right.  Your way is best.
• Psalm 18:30 As for God His way is perfect. Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  Psalm 25:8 Good and upright is the Lord.
• Isaiah 66:2 “…to this one I will look to him who is humble and contrite of spirit and who trembles at my word.”
• We can agree with God’s standards and precepts without being crushed by shame because even though our behavior may not align with certain Scripture passages, God sees us aligned to them because we have Christ’s righteousness.

II.   Yes!

• “I accept Your truth for me personally.” I not only agree that it is right I want this truth reflected in my life.
• I believe You love me, and this is best for my life.
• I am not assessing my ability to do it, but I want it in my life.

III.   Please!

• Supplication (Philippians 4:6-8) defined as the act of humbly begging for something, especially when pleading with God in prayer. Also entreaty – “a cry from the heart.”
• “Please” is an acknowledgement of our neediness, of our dependence. It is an expression of
• Please assumes a person is on the other end of our prayers not a program.
• The Lord is not looking at how strong or disciplined or consistent we are but how trusting in Christ we are despite the ups and downs of our behavior.

IV.   Thank You!

• For choosing you, with the full knowledge of all you were, all you were not and all you were ever going to be.
• Yes.  Please.  Thank You.  As we embrace these responses our experience of the good news will keep getting better  every day.