The context of our Scripture passage this week is the conversation Jesus has been having with his disciples about His way of understanding the Father's will for his people verses the way of the religious leaders with whom the disciples were most familiar. In particular he tells the disciples that he is the final authority on the matter of the Father's intentions: "no one knows the Father except the son." This is restated in John's Gospel. "He who has seen me, has seen the Father." In other words; Moses, David, Jeremiah, and the religious teachers of their day did not have the final word on the Father's plan. Only Jesus. For this reason we must read and understand all of Scripture in this light.

While the Pharisee's yoke was ill-fitting and burdensome; Jesus' yoke was easy and light. He welcomes everyone to come to him and learn of his ways. He understands that religion can be burdensome and trying but his ways are not like that. He promises soul rest. This of course has to do with the future idea of heaven (an eschatological view) but it primarily refers to the present day and age. Right here, right now we can find soul rest. The delight of living freely and lightheartedly in God's will. This descriptor of living the Jesus-way can become a measuring rod or guidepost to measure our current state of mind. When we move out of the Jesus-way we no longer enjoy the "rhythms of grace and the delight of living freely and lightly." Reflection on our attitudes and place in life help us remember and reorient toward the Jesus way.

It is not that the Jesus way is without difficulty or adversity but it is a burden of love and whatever we do in love seems so much better than those things we do out of duty or obligation. People have been and are now making huge sacrifices motivated by love. Think of the sacrifices missionaries or even parents make out of love. The burden of love can be weighty but not burdensome.

The context of our Scripture passage this week is the conversation Jesus has been having with his disciples about His way of understanding the Father's will for his people verses the way of the religious leaders with whom the disciples were most familiar. In particular he tells the disciples that he is the final authority on the matter of the Father's intentions: "no one knows the Father except the son." This is restated in John's Gospel. "He who has seen me, has seen the Father." In other words; Moses, David, Jeremiah, and the religious teachers of their day did not have the final word on the Father's plan. Only Jesus. For this reason we must read and understand all of Scripture in this light.

While the Pharisee's yoke was ill-fitting and burdensome; Jesus' yoke was easy and light. He welcomes everyone to come to him and learn of his ways. He understands that religion can be burdensome and trying but his ways are not like that. He promises soul rest. This of course has to do with the future idea of heaven (an eschatological view) but it primarily refers to the present day and age. Right here, right now we can find soul rest. The delight of living freely and lightheartedly in God's will. This descriptor of living the Jesus-way can become a measuring rod or guidepost to measure our current state of mind. When we move out of the Jesus-way we no longer enjoy the "rhythms of grace and the delight of living freely and lightly." Reflection on our attitudes and place in life help us remember and reorient toward the Jesus way.

It is not that the Jesus way is without difficulty or adversity but it is a burden of love and whatever we do in love seems so much better than those things we do out of duty or obligation. People have been and are now making huge sacrifices motivated by love. Think of the sacrifices missionaries or even parents make out of love. The burden of love can be weighty but not burdensome.

We live in a world that is often hostile to what we believe. This is becoming increasingly evident. Gone are the days when the Judeo/Christian ethic was the foundation of Western Society. There are other religions that stridently decry our moral values. There are advocates of alternative lifestyles that perceive of our values as not only outdated but in fact harmful – even hateful. More and more, followers of Jesus find themselves at odds with the underlying presuppositions of the culture we live in. While this may seem like it is new to us, Jesus and the Early Church felt exactly the same kind of angst living in the 1st Century.

Our text is taken from a discussion Jesus was having with his disciples about this very thing. How do you live in a world that is often hostile to what you believe are essential truths? Jesus makes some promises that help us navigate the future, no matter what it may hold.

His first promise is that he will not leave the disciples (and us) without a comforter. His presence would continue with them through the participation of the Holy Spirit in our inner beings. This advocate/counselor would play his role that had enacted with the disciples during his earthly ministry. Teaching, guiding, leading, prompting and comforting were all part of that position he played in the lives of his followers.

His second promise is that of peace. The Hebrew shalom has a far deeper meaning than our English word peace. It means wholeness of body, soul and spirit. It entails not only peace with God but peace within ourselves and with our fellow man. A right relationship with God and others. True peace is rare in this world. It is often substituted with a false sense of security that is the result of ignorance, denial and or the false sense of security that comes from a naïve believe in self-reliance. God's peace is none of these things but it is a byproduct of trust in God and the presence of the true comforter.

We live in a world that is often hostile to what we believe. This is becoming increasingly evident. Gone are the days when the Judeo/Christian ethic was the foundation of Western Society. There are other religions that stridently decry our moral values. There are advocates of alternative lifestyles that perceive of our values as not only outdated but in fact harmful – even hateful. More and more, followers of Jesus find themselves at odds with the underlying presuppositions of the culture we live in. While this may seem like it is new to us, Jesus and the Early Church felt exactly the same kind of angst living in the 1st Century.

Our text is taken from a discussion Jesus was having with his disciples about this very thing. How do you live in a world that is often hostile to what you believe are essential truths? Jesus makes some promises that help us navigate the future, no matter what it may hold.

His first promise is that he will not leave the disciples (and us) without a comforter. His presence would continue with them through the participation of the Holy Spirit in our inner beings. This advocate/counselor would play his role that had enacted with the disciples during his earthly ministry. Teaching, guiding, leading, prompting and comforting were all part of that position he played in the lives of his followers.

His second promise is that of peace. The Hebrew shalom has a far deeper meaning than our English word peace. It means wholeness of body, soul and spirit. It entails not only peace with God but peace within ourselves and with our fellow man. A right relationship with God and others. True peace is rare in this world. It is often substituted with a false sense of security that is the result of ignorance, denial and or the false sense of security that comes from a naïve believe in self-reliance. God's peace is none of these things but it is a byproduct of trust in God and the presence of the true comforter.

Romans 8 is one of my favourite texts. It helps us understand what God thinks about us. Jesus' statement in Matthew 6 comes to mind. "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Our text this week illustrates that universal truth, in that it even applies to God the Father. We are his treasure – we have his full attention. In the terms of the author of Genesis, after God had created mankind, he said it was very good. This superlative is reserved for the creation of mankind – the rest of creation is of course good, but humankind is very good.

Romans 8 contains at least 6 promises. They range from promises concerning everyday living to promises related to our eternal relationship with the Father. One of the themes running through the chapter is a comparison between Jesus and his followers; in this text referred to as his brothers. He is the firstborn among many brethren and just as God predestined him so he predestines us: "those he foreknew he also predestined." God's foreknowledge does not necessarily mean he predetermines what will happen. Knowing the future is different from causing the future. I may know what the weather is going to be tomorrow but I have nothing to do with its occurrence.

Because we are God's treasure, no one can thwart his purposes in our lives. Who "can stand against us?" If he went to the extreme of sending his son to die for us, he will make sure his plan is fulfilled in us. Not only that, but no one can accuse us of wrongdoing or unworthiness because the only one to stand in a righteous position to judge us has in fact decided to advocate for us. In the story of the woman caught in adultery, Jesus challenged the person who was without sin to cast the first stone. In fact Jesus was the only one in the crowd with that qualification and he chose not to use it. In legal terms Jesus has switched sides of the courtroom. He has moved from behind the prosecutor's bench to the defendant's side of the courtroom. He intercedes for us.

Romans 8 is one of my favourite texts. It helps us understand what God thinks about us. Jesus' statement in Matthew 6 comes to mind. "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Our text this week illustrates that universal truth, in that it even applies to God the Father. We are his treasure – we have his full attention. In the terms of the author of Genesis, after God had created mankind, he said it was very good. This superlative is reserved for the creation of mankind – the rest of creation is of course good, but humankind is very good.

Romans 8 contains at least 6 promises. They range from promises concerning everyday living to promises related to our eternal relationship with the Father. One of the themes running through the chapter is a comparison between Jesus and his followers; in this text referred to as his brothers. He is the firstborn among many brethren and just as God predestined him so he predestines us: "those he foreknew he also predestined." God's foreknowledge does not necessarily mean he predetermines what will happen. Knowing the future is different from causing the future. I may know what the weather is going to be tomorrow but I have nothing to do with its occurrence.

Because we are God's treasure, no one can thwart his purposes in our lives. Who "can stand against us?" If he went to the extreme of sending his son to die for us, he will make sure his plan is fulfilled in us. Not only that, but no one can accuse us of wrongdoing or unworthiness because the only one to stand in a righteous position to judge us has in fact decided to advocate for us. In the story of the woman caught in adultery, Jesus challenged the person who was without sin to cast the first stone. In fact Jesus was the only one in the crowd with that qualification and he chose not to use it. In legal terms Jesus has switched sides of the courtroom. He has moved from behind the prosecutor's bench to the defendant's side of the courtroom. He intercedes for us.

We continue our series on the "Promises of God" this week as we look at Isaiah 40:27-31. It's a promise for ongoing strength as we look expectantly and confidently to our Lord's return. There's a great parallel truth contained within Isaiah's prophetic words. He writes to the Children of Israel who are living in exile. Their time of captivity and bondage is coming to an end and their deliverance is at hand. This is a message for the church today – this world is not our home. We need deliverance from sin and bondage. We often grow weary from life's challenges and wonder 'when' will the Lord fulfill His promised return.

Isaiah reminds his readers of three essential truths to help prepare them for their coming deliverance. First, he reminds them that God has not forgotten about them. The mindset of the Children of Israel was not good – their days in exile have been hard. They had grown despondent and discouraged believing that God had forgotten them. Isaiah challenges this mindset by reminding them of God's character and nature. He is God. Not only does Isaiah remind them of who God is but he also reminds them of the availability of God's strength. Undoubtedly, there will be some rough days ahead for exiles – but God's strength, His resources, are available to those who 'hope' in the Lord.

The application of this message to our lives today is so needed. Like the Children of Israel, we also can grow discouraged through times of dryness and difficulty, believing a lie – that God is silent or indifferent. We allow our circumstances to impact our confidence in God. We are blinded by our pain and hurt. What do we do when that happens? Isaiah would tell us to look back and remember. Remember the character and nature of God. He is Creator of all – and loves me with an everlasting love. Isaiah would also remind of us of God's promised return and that we should 'wait' with a confident expectation of His return. When we live this way – we live with a renewed strength. God's strength – not ours.

We continue our series on the "Promises of God" this week as we look at Isaiah 40:27-31. It's a promise for ongoing strength as we look expectantly and confidently to our Lord's return. There's a great parallel truth contained within Isaiah's prophetic words. He writes to the Children of Israel who are living in exile. Their time of captivity and bondage is coming to an end and their deliverance is at hand. This is a message for the church today – this world is not our home. We need deliverance from sin and bondage. We often grow weary from life's challenges and wonder 'when' will the Lord fulfill His promised return.

Isaiah reminds his readers of three essential truths to help prepare them for their coming deliverance. First, he reminds them that God has not forgotten about them. The mindset of the Children of Israel was not good – their days in exile have been hard. They had grown despondent and discouraged believing that God had forgotten them. Isaiah challenges this mindset by reminding them of God's character and nature. He is God. Not only does Isaiah remind them of who God is but he also reminds them of the availability of God's strength. Undoubtedly, there will be some rough days ahead for exiles – but God's strength, His resources, are available to those who 'hope' in the Lord.

The application of this message to our lives today is so needed. Like the Children of Israel, we also can grow discouraged through times of dryness and difficulty, believing a lie – that God is silent or indifferent. We allow our circumstances to impact our confidence in God. We are blinded by our pain and hurt. What do we do when that happens? Isaiah would tell us to look back and remember. Remember the character and nature of God. He is Creator of all – and loves me with an everlasting love. Isaiah would also remind of us of God's promised return and that we should 'wait' with a confident expectation of His return. When we live this way – we live with a renewed strength. God's strength – not ours.

This week we are looking at one of the great promises of Scripture. It has a specific context but many people have found that it also speaks to their personal situations even when those situations are widely different from the context of the believers Jeremiah had in mind when he penned these words. This is because the promise reveals some very important and often overlooked characteristics of our God. We find comfort in knowing that the God we serve knows exactly what he is doing.

Jeremiah the prophet wrote a letter to the exiles in Babylon around 600 B.C. He is writing from Jerusalem to a group of officials, elders and artisans that King Nebuchadnezzar has taken to Babylon to help beautify the city. His message has some practical advice and some very comforting words of encouragement. While in Babylon or whatever foreign city they find themselves they are to settle down, build houses, have children and work and pray for the prosperity of the land they are in. This advice has become the mantra of Jewish people in exile ever since this time and the Jewish people have become known for their industry and prosperity even while in dispersion all over the world.

Jeremiah insists that the exile would not be over quickly. This was in stark contradiction to the false prophets who were predicting a quick release. But after 70 years the exiles would begin to return to the Promised Land. Their captivity and circumstances were not forgotten by God but he had a plan for them - and it was a good plan. His intent is not to devastate them but to bring them back to a proper relationship with Him. As Jesus demonstrated, God loves to redeem people. He works toward that end in all that he does.

We may not understand all that happens to us. At times the events of our lives can appear random, but they are not, God has a plan and it is to bless and prosper us. He wants us to seek him with all our hearts because the most important thing to him is that we live in fellowship with him. He is also concerned about the Babylonians no matter where they may be found and his desire is that we pray for them and bless them.

This week we are looking at one of the great promises of Scripture. It has a specific context but many people have found that it also speaks to their personal situations even when those situations are widely different from the context of the believers Jeremiah had in mind when he penned these words. This is because the promise reveals some very important and often overlooked characteristics of our God. We find comfort in knowing that the God we serve knows exactly what he is doing.

Jeremiah the prophet wrote a letter to the exiles in Babylon around 600 B.C. He is writing from Jerusalem to a group of officials, elders and artisans that King Nebuchadnezzar has taken to Babylon to help beautify the city. His message has some practical advice and some very comforting words of encouragement. While in Babylon or whatever foreign city they find themselves they are to settle down, build houses, have children and work and pray for the prosperity of the land they are in. This advice has become the mantra of Jewish people in exile ever since this time and the Jewish people have become known for their industry and prosperity even while in dispersion all over the world.

Jeremiah insists that the exile would not be over quickly. This was in stark contradiction to the false prophets who were predicting a quick release. But after 70 years the exiles would begin to return to the Promised Land. Their captivity and circumstances were not forgotten by God but he had a plan for them - and it was a good plan. His intent is not to devastate them but to bring them back to a proper relationship with Him. As Jesus demonstrated, God loves to redeem people. He works toward that end in all that he does.

We may not understand all that happens to us. At times the events of our lives can appear random, but they are not, God has a plan and it is to bless and prosper us. He wants us to seek him with all our hearts because the most important thing to him is that we live in fellowship with him. He is also concerned about the Babylonians no matter where they may be found and his desire is that we pray for them and bless them.