Unfathomable Grace

Imagine:

The wisest of sailors sits by the sea. He is no novice. He has been around the block a few times. Everyone in the know, they recognize his knowledge, wisdom, discretion, and love. One would have to be a fool to ignore his fantastic counsel.

Seeing you preparing to head out to sea, he walks your way. With great clarity and passion he tells you to stay put. He urges you, “Son, this is not the right time to depart. Don’t be foolish. Heed my counsel.”

However, true to form, you know best, and with brazen confidence you head out to sea.

And, all goes fantastic, until it doesn’t.

Surreptitiously, the storm moves in. Suddenly, the waves are more than you and your vessel can happen. Your boat fills; it spills; it drifts away, and there you are — wet, alone, miles from shore, treading water, and fighting for your life. To make matters worse, you have been thrown from your craft while still wearing your rubber boots, fishing waders, and oiled raincoat. Yes, you are heavy laden, weighed-down, weary, hopeless, and about to perish.

The wise seaman, he saw the storm coming. He also witnessed your stiff-necked folly. Some could have sat back, left things be, and recognized another pathetic fool was about to receive the just consequences of his foolhardy rebellion.

But not this wiseman. No, this seasoned man of the sea is consumed with tenderness, mercy, love, and humility. His heart is gentle and lowly. His heart drives him. He absolutely must save!

Therefore, now, in the greatest hour of your deepest distress, you see a vessel drawing near. It is him — the mocked and spurned wiseman. Mercifully, graciously, and competently, he has left the comfort, safety, and joy and comfort of his pleasant home, and with zealous passion he has made his way to you. Your savior has come.

As he arrives, he does not condone you, for you have not done well.

As he arrives, he also does not condemn you, for you seem to be condemned already.

Instead, your savior, he calls and commands. Compassionately he proclaims, “Come! Take my easy yoke and light burden!” Place my life-jacket on your shoulders. Listen to me. Learn from me.”

And from his lips come the most gracious of promises, “You will find rest for your soul.”

Now, how does this make you want to respond?

Consider:

Instruction — that’s what we have received. How fantastic are God’s good laws, precepts, principles, commandments, and warnings. His ways are true, good, wise, and best. One would have to be a fool to disregard his counsel.

Disbelieving, arrogant, rebellious, and foolish — that’s what we have been. We have trusted others. We have done that which is right in our own eyes. We have disregarded and disrespected Him who knows all things.

In over our heads and going down — that’s where we find ourselves. Ignoring his counsel, we have headed out in the wrong direction. Now, we are without sailboat, shelter, and safety. We are wet, weighed down, weary, and seemingly set to receive the wages of our sin.

Gentle and lowly — that’s who he is. Seeing us in our miserable condition, he refuses to look the other way. Driven only by his own merciful and gracious heart, the Wise and Loving One determines to go to work and save.

Instructions — that’s what he presents. As he saves us, he lovingly commands us to do that which is fantastic:

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Rest — that’s what he promises. To us who are weary and heavy laden, he promises perfect peace and rest.

Now, how does this make you want to respond?

Prayer:

My God:

I recognize my arrogance and folly. I have heeded the contrary counsel of others. I have done that which is right in my own eyes. I have I have not honored you. I have placed my trust in lesser things — in failed idols.

I have made a mess of things. I am wet, weary, worn out, weighed-down, and going down. I know not which direction to go. I am wasted. I am desperate. Oh, I wish I could go back and do things all over again.

I see your face. You are drawing near.

I hear your voice. You are calling me.

I recognize your heart. You are so gentle and lowly towards me.

I feel your touch of love. Your hands are saving me. You are placing your easy yoke and light burden about my drowning self.

I hear your words — come, take, and learn.

Jesus, right now, I come!

Jesus, right now, I eagerly take upon my shoulders your easy yoke and light burden.

Jesus, right now, I am ready to learn more of your Gospel performance and wise counsel.

Thank you for seeking me. Thank you for finding me. Thank you for calling me. Thank you for saving me.

Now, hold me in your arms, take me safely home, teach me how to think, grant rest to my troubled soul, and hear my songs of thankful gratitude and passionate adoration.

Yes, you are my Friend, Lover, Savior, Teacher, and Lord. What an awesome privilege it is to rest in you.