Rest

 This week we begin worship with:

Exodus 33:13-14

[And Moses said to the LORD] "Now therefore, if I have found favor in your

sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find

favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.” And he said,

“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Dumbstruck by the idea that he may have been granted favor in God’s sight, Moses asks for proof.  Proof in the form of  direction, so that he could find favor in God’s eyes. 

You can hear the striving, the confusion, the effort-without-direction, all to win favor.

In response, God basically said ‘No’ to the idea that Moses could earn favor.  And instead God took away the striving, for with God’s presence comes rest (nûaḥ).

Matthew 11:28-30

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.”