"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 them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. "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 11:25-30]
“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you,” [Isaiah 66:13]
At those times in life when we feel like we can’t go on, mothers step in to tell us, “You can do it!” God blessed us with parents who lift us up when we fall down. And mothers are steadfast nurturers and friends in times of difficulty; we can thank God for mothers.
God often exhibits the qualities of a nurturing mother. Though we rightly call Him “Father,” He also nurtures and comforts us as a mother. Jesus lamented that He wished to gather the children of Jerusalem up like a mother hen would gather up her chicks [Matthew 23:37]. God often spoke through the Old Testament prophets, reaching out with offers of comfort, rest and nurture when the people of Israel were rebellious. God is a loving and compassionate God who earnestly desires to give us strength to succeed in righteousness.
One of the most endearing statements that Jesus ever made is found in Matthew 11. He said, “Come to me,” if you are weary, burdened, overwhelmed, beaten down, and at the end of your rope. When you feel like there is no where you can go, no where to turn, Jesus says unashamedly, “Come to me… and I will give you rest. Come, and I’ll show you the right way.” When life seems so impossible and you don’t know where hope could possibly come from, Jesus reminds you that He will give you rest. And when Jesus says, “Learn from me,” He also adds, “I am gentle and humble in heart…”
Jesus is not out to hurt us. He is not looking for reasons to accuse us. He doesn’t condemn us or kick us when we’re down; like a loving, nurturing mother, Jesus says, “Don’t worry, it’s all going to be O.K. Trust me, trust God, and everything will certainly be O.K.” And Jesus goes on to say that His way is better; the burden He will give you in exchange for the one that you’ve been trying to carry by yourself (and suffered the whole time from it) is much, much lighter. There are no strings attached here. He is what He says He is. No fine print, not hidden fees, no bait & switch… Jesus is always here to help –because He is gentle and humble in heart. When we surrender our heavy burden, He lifts us up from that crushing load and restores us for great things –things that bless the Name of God, that bless those around us and bless us too. We hope in the Lord again and rise up like an eagle that takes to flight.
Thank you, mothers, who nurture us like Jesus does. Thank you for lifting us up when we stumble. Thank you for encouraging us when we feel incapable. Thank you for sharing God’s compassionate love with us, even when we don’t deserve it.
Amazed by His grace,
George