14th March 2023

14th March 2023


Pray (ACts)


Read (Matthew 11v25-30)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


Allow me to make something of a bold statement - there isn't anyone alive who doesn't have some idea about the existence of Almighty God. You might ask "what about the man isolated in the middle of a jungle?" and I would answer with Romans 1 and Psalm 19. Paul wrote "For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." (Romans 1v20) and David said "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." (Psalm 19v1)


Scripture teaches something called "general revelation" or in other words God has revealed Himself to humanity in a general way. It doesn't matter if you live in a great city or you find yourself isolated in a forest, creation shows us that there is a powerful God who has created all things and creation itself sings out about the glory of God.


However not everyone understands the Gospel. Not everyone accepts Christ as Messiah. Not everyone is prepared to repent and trust in Christ. Jesus pronounced "woe" upon the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum for their failure to receive Christ. The men and women in those towns knew that God existed by the testimony of creation and they were even a religious people who knew what was said in the Scriptures and yet they still did not believe despite witnessing the mighty works of Christ.


Why? The special revelation of God is required. In general revelation God speaks to all people everywhere. In special revelation He speaks only to those who have been enlightened by the powerful work of God the Holy Spirit. Jesus thanked God the Father for hiding His truth from the wise but openly revealing it to His little children. The so called wise had their eyes closed by disbelief while the little children of God had their eyes graciously opened by the will of God (v26).


It is impossible for sinful humanity to somehow figure God out. It doesn't matter how many pilgrimages you go on or how many mountains you climb, the Lord must first reveal Himself to us. Jesus said that all things had been handed over to Him by the Father. What things? Jesus has been given power and authority and dominion. He is the Son of Man of Daniel 7 to whom "was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed."


Only God the Father knows God the Son and only God the Son knows God the Father (v27). But this knowledge of God is also given to the one whom Christ chooses (v27b). Here is special revelation. If you are a Christian and know Almighty God, it is because you are a recipient of God's special revelation. Your eyes have been opened and you have come to know your Saviour.


Not everyone receives the Gospel but nevertheless we are to proclaim it openly to all humanity calling upon everyone to repent and believe in Christ. It is Jesus Himself who calls those who labour and are heavy laden to come to Him for rest (v28). Who are these people? The one who feels the weight of sin upon their shoulders and the one who carries the heavy burden of the law each day and the one who has heard the demands of the Pharisees and has become exhausted as a result. 


Jesus said to such an individual "I will give you rest." (v28) This isn't a weekend in Portrush but rest for the soul (v29). To His followers Christ offers an easy yoke and a light burden. A yoke was placed upon a beast of burden to ease the load they were being asked to carry. Christ's yoke is easy because He Himself carries the weight of sin and obedience. His burden is light because He Himself has fulfilled the heavy demands of the law.


The one who trusts in Christ will find a master who is not arrogant and proud but is a gentle and lowly (v29). Christ is the humble Saviour who carries the burdens of His people to Calvary and offers them salvation and truth in return. General revelation shows everyone that there is a God. Special revelation shows some that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life. Come to Him today and He will surely give you rest for your soul.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC
Q100 What doth the preface of the Lord’s Prayer teach us? The preface of the Lord’s Prayer, which is, Our Father which art in heaven,” teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence, as children to a father, able and ready to help us; and that we should pray with and for others.