October 13, 2019
Before We Worship
Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” I see a picture in my mind whenever I read this passage. It is a picture of a careworn man, bent under a heavy load on his back. His face is grim and all sparkle has disappeared from his downcast eyes. His load feels heavier by the minute, and the rough road before him seems to stretch on forever. Every step is heavy, but he is driven forward for fear of stopping. He resents his burden. But he doesn’t know how to lay it aside. Then he hears the words, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
He looks up, half wanting to believe that his poor heart can find rest, but also half doubting, because he has been burned before. He has heard the promises before, only to bitterly realize later they were empty promises. He has heard the sales pitches before, and paid for them in more than one way. But after all was said and done, his burden was no lighter. So why bother with Jesus? What makes him different?
While he is pondering the question, the next words out of Jesus’ mouth completely turn him off. “Take my yoke upon you…For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” His load is already heavy enough. Quite frankly, who cares if Jesus’ yoke is easy and his burden light? He just doesn’t have anything left in him to carry anything more, no matter how easy and light it may be. He could do without them, and he thinks, he could do without Jesus.
And so it may be with us. We carry burdens that no one knows anything about. And Jesus, far from being a source of comfort, feels like an extra burden we just do not have any energy to bare. So we put on a smiling facade and go through the motions of knowing Jesus, even as we feel the growing weight of care. Maybe we are close to giving up. We don’t really think our poor heart can actually find rest.
There is rest. That rest comes from taking Jesus’ yoke upon us. But that means something different than what we might first imagine. For Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your soul.” Taking Jesus’ yoke upon us means learning that Jesus is gentle and lowly. Gentle, for Jesus will not use and abuse us roughly, but heal our wounds. Lowly, for he will make himself our servant and carry the burden for us. To know that Jesus is gentle and lowly is heaven. No great lord has ever treated his servants with such consideration. In a world filled with gods and people who incessantly demand, “Give me, give me” we have a Master who says, “I will give you rest.”
Would you let your poor heart find rest? Come to Jesus. His promises are not empty. His words are true. And with Jesus by our side, we may learn to stand up straight and take a sure step forward.
Call to Worship
‡ Matthew 11:28–30 (p. 816)
‡ Trinity Hymnal #521 “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less”
‡ Trinity Hymnal #731 “Doxology”
Prayer of Invocation
The Reading and Exposition of the Law
Isaiah 55:1–7 (p. 615)
The Shorter Catechism Qs. 91–93
Prayer of Confession
The Proclamation of the Gospel
“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” (Psalm 32:1 ESV)
Trinity Hymnal #551 “How Blest Is He Whose Trespass”
Presentation of Gifts and Offering
Pastoral Prayer
The Proclamation of God’s Word
1 Peter 1:6–9 (p. 1014)
Finding Joy in Unexpected Places
Rev. Ken Han
The Sacrament of The Lord’s Supper
We participate in the Lord’s Supper weekly. We welcome to the Lord’s Table all baptized believers who have sincere faith in Jesus Christ, and regularly worship in a Reformed or evangelical church.
The Lord’s Supper is a sign and a seal of the new covenant blessings. When we participate in the Lord’s Supper with faith, it strengthens our bond with our covenant Lord, Jesus Christ. Thus we participate properly when we come to our Savior with faith and repentance as we renew our resolve to forsake sin and live for his glory.
The Lord’s Supper also renews our bonds with God’s covenant community, the body of believers in the local church. As we receive the Lord’s Supper, we renew our pledge to give ourselves away in loving service.
During the distribution of the bread we will sing TH #607 “Thy Loving-kindness, Lord, Is Good and Free” stanzas 1–2, and stanzas 3–4 during the distribution of the cup.
Trinity Hymnal #691 “It Is Well with My Soul”
Benediction
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Growth Resources
Family Devotion for the Week
The October 6, 2019 sermon, 1 Peter 1:3–5. “Bless God” is available on our church website. You can also catch up on older sermons from our Sermon page and subscribe to sermon podcast here.
Upcoming Events and Notices
Join us for “12 for 19” as we read 12 great books in the year 2019. In October we will read Barbara Duguid, “Extravagant Grace: God’s Glory Displayed in Our Weakness”.
October 13 (Lord’s Day): Please join us for our monthly fellowship meal.
October 20 (Lord’s Day 6PM): Please join us for a time of devotion and fellowship at Han home. Also October 27, November 3, 17, 24. Please let pastor Ken know if you are able to host one (or more) of the meetings.
October 26 (Saturday 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM): All men are invited for a time of fellowship and prayer. Please let pastor Ken know if you would like to host this meeting.
Nursery Volunteers
October 13: Yoori Han
October 20: Kelly Rogers