What to Expect

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed then to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you pleased to do. 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. Matthew 11:25-29

Sunday’s message brought a series of additional questions to mind. What do you mean, “What do you expect?” My mind was reeling thinking about different directions where this was going.

Sarcastically, when someone in today’s climate would say, “What do you expect?” they may be talking about someone’s bad behavior. It’s a fair assumption now with our short fuses and tempers flying that sass is a common reaction. Often some of us snap at each other sometimes out of too much “togetherness.”

This weekend Pastor Michelle brought us a different perspective. Jesus Christ offers us a different approach. “Come to me, all you who are weary…” Man, that’s me, weary! It all sounds so simple. Every morning we are given choices. Bounce out of bed ready for the day being grateful or hit the snooze button one more time. I confess I may get up, but bouncing has nothing to do with it. Pushing through on our own, or let God be there to help us. Have you ever tried to change a room full of furniture by yourself? I do this often, by the way. My reasoning is if it looks different in the room, it’s better than buying new stuff. Cheaper too! But it’s so much easier if I have compliant help. I suppose it would compare to the yoke from the scripture passage. Can you imagine just one ox trying to pull the load fastened to a yoke and harness? Think how crooked he would go without something or someone to help to pull that load straight.

Jesus also says, “Learn from me…” His very nature always focused on those around him. This perfect teacher taught the concept of being aware of others around us. We care for others with kindness in an attempt to bring them the simple peace in their hearts that comes from His love. It requires an active choice. The choice to change our perspective from “What do I expect?” to “What does God expect from me?” He expects us to show the love of “Him who first loved us.” To create a culture of kindness where our neighbor’s needs (spiritually and mentally) becomes a priority in bringing peace to our own lives as well as theirs. Try to model the behavior of Christ in our lives so that the peace of God lives within us.

Heavenly Father who loves us, let us draw near to you that we might learn from you the peace that can fill people’s hearts and minds. And let Christ be seen in me this day. Amen.

Written by Fran Baatz

Fran has been a life long member of Sheridan as the first baby girl to be baptized back in 1953 as her parents were charter members. She loves to serve as a part of the Hospitality team as well as one of the Sheridan quilting teams. She is also a member of Lydia Circle. Fran has four grandchildren and two great grandchildren she adores as well as her two daughters.