So Many Tears

Introduction- Mental Health Awareness Month (So Many Tears of people looking for a savior)

Illustration: Associate Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor crying in her office

CNN Article concerning more than 1 million middle and high schoolers cutting themselves off from society, sometimes for months or years

on—air panic attacks experienced by newscasters

Illustration: Cassie Ventura carrying the burden of being physically abused by Sean “Puffy” Combs

“Thank you for all of the love and support from my family, friends, strangers and those I have yet to meet,” Ventura wrote in a post shared on Instagram. “The outpouring of love has created a place for my younger self to settle and feel safe now, but this is only the beginning.”

Ventura continued, “Domestic Violence is THE issue. It broke me down to someone I never thought I would become. With a lot of hard work, I am better today, but I will always be recovering from my past.”

This is what we would describe as a burden and burdens seem prevalent in these times

Illustration: So Many Tears

I shall not fear no man but God Though I walk through the valley of death I shed so many tears (if I should die before I wake) Please God, walk with me

Back in elementary, I thrived on misery Left me alone, I grew up amongst a dyin' breed Inside my mind, couldn't find a place to rest Until I got that Thug Life tatted on my chest

Ah, I suffered through the years, and shed so many tears Lord, I lost so many peers, and shed so many tears

"So Many Tears" is a song by American rapper 2Pac from his third studio album, Me Against the World (1995). It was released on June 13, 1995, as the album's second single. “So Many Tears” is often described as one of the album's best alongside “Dear Mama.”

According to Wikipedia:

The song was produced by Shakur's longtime mentor, Shock G, who produced it using a sample of the song "That Girl" by Stevie Wonder with a slowed down harmonica solo heard during the chorus. The song's lyrics are autobiographical with Rolling Stone's Cheo H. Coker noting the track "finds an almost vulnerable 2Pac not only dealing with the senseless violence that marked his childhood but with the internal demons that threaten to consume him, snapping at his conscience like hellhounds on a bluesman’s trail".

Transition To Body- Weary People of God burdened by Rome & the Religious Leaders- looking for a savior

Matthew 9:7–8 ESV

And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

Matthew 9:33–34 ESV

And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.”

Matthew 9:35–37 ESV

And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;

Repentance is Called For

Matthew 11:20 ESV

Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent.

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 41.52 μετανοέω; μετάνοια, ας

to change one’s way of life as the result of a complete change of thought and attitude with regard to sin and righteousness—‘to repent, to change one’s way, repentance.’

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. μετανοέω

change one’s mind

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. μετανοέω

feel remorse, repent, be converted (in a variety of relationships and in connection w. varied responsibilities, moral, political, social or religious

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. μετανοέω

Failure to repent leads to destruction

Matthew Rest for the Little Ones (11:25–30)

Rest for the Little Ones (11:25–30) Just as Israel was wrongly secure in its status before God vis-à-vis the Gentiles (vv. 20–24), so the wise and powerful failed to recognize that God favored the children, the meek (vv. 25–30). Jesus summons not the mighty or wise to follow him, but the humble laden with heavy burdens (v. 28; compare 23:4), the weary, like Israel in exile, hoping in God alone (Is 40:29–31).

Body- Matthew’s Recipe for Dealing With our Spiritual Weariness

Declaration of the Father’s Gracious Ways

God, has revealed himself to little children

Matthew 11:25–26 ESV

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.

Matthew 11:25–26 MSG

Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer: “Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You’ve concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that’s the way you like to work.”

How God Revealed Himself in the Past

1 Samuel 2:27 ESV

And there came a man of God to Eli and said to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Did I indeed reveal myself to the house of your father when they were in Egypt subject to the house of Pharaoh?

1 Samuel 3:7 ESV

Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.

Amos 3:7 ESV

“For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.

Child-like Humility is the Prerequisite for Receiving God’s Revelation

1 Corinthians 1:17–18 ESV

For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:26–27 ESV

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;

Christ Became to Us Wisdom from God

1 Corinthians 1:30–31 ESV

And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

How God Reveals Himself Now

John 1:9–14 ESV

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Hebrews 1:1–5 ESV

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”?

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Declaration of the Father’s Gracious Ways

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Proclamation of the Son’s Intimate Plan

Matthew 11:27 ESV

All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

Matthew 11:27 MSG

Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly. “The Father has given me all these things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does. But I’m not keeping it to myself; I’m ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen.

Matthew 3:16–17 ESV

And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Intimate-

of a very personal or private nature

Know-

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 28.2 ἐπιγινώσκω; ἐπίγνωσις, εως

to possess more or less definite information about, possibly with a degree of thoroughness or competence—‘to know about, to know definitely about, knowledge about.’

Choose-

to plan on a course of action, intend, plan, will

Reveal-

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 28.38 ἀποκαλύπτω; ἀποκάλυψις, εως

to cause something to be fully known—‘to reveal, to disclose, to make fully known, revelation.’

knowledge- the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association

{

Declaration of the Father’s Gracious Ways

Proclamation of the Son’s Intimate Plan

}

Invitation to the Master’s Real Rest

Matthew 11:28–30 ESV

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 MSG

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.

Matthew 11:29 MSG

Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.

Matthew 11:30 MSG

Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Come- extension toward a goal at or near the speaker and implying movement

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. δεῦτε

come here! come on!

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. δεῦτε

come here to me

Labor

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 23.78 κοπιάω

to be tired or weary, as the result of hard or difficult endeavor

Heavy laden

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 15.207 φορτίζω

to cause to carry or bear a load—‘to cause to carry, to cause to bear a load.’

Rest

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 23.84 ἀναπαύω

to cause someone to become physically refreshed as the result of resting from work—‘to cause to rest, to give rest

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. ἀναπαύω

to cause someone to gain relief from toil

Yoke

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 6.8 ζυγός, οῦ

a bar or frame of wood by which two draft animals are joined at the head or neck in order to work together effectively in pulling a plow, harrow, or wagon—‘yoke.

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. ζυγός

a frame used to control working animals or, in the case of humans, to expedite the bearing of burdens, yoke

Learn

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. μανθάνω

to gain knowledge or skill by instruction, learn

The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament 1. Ordinary Use.

“to direct one’s mind to something.”

The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament 1. Ordinary Use.

The basic meaning then gives us “to experience.”

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. μανθάνω

to come to a realization, with implication of taking place less through instruction than through experience or practice, learn, appropriate to oneself

Gentle

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 88.60 πραΰς, πραεῖα, πραΰ

pertaining to being gentle and mild—‘mild, gentle, meek.’

Lowly

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 88.52 ταπεινός, ή, όν

pertaining to being unpretentious in one’s behavior—‘humble.’

Heart

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 26.3 καρδία, ας

the causative source of a person’s psychological life in its various aspects, but with special emphasis upon thoughts—‘heart, inner self, mind.’

Find

The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament εὑρίσκω

To find after search

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 90.70 εἰσέρχομαι; εὑρίσκω

to begin to experience an event or state—‘to begin to experience, to come into an experience, to attain.’

Rest

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 22.37 ἀνάπαυσις, εως

relief from trouble and related anxiety—‘relief.’

Souls

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 26.4 ψυχή, ῆς

the essence of life in terms of thinking, willing, and feeling—‘inner self, mind, thoughts, feelings, heart, being.’

Isaiah 26:3 ESV

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Easy

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 22.40 χρηστός, ή, όν

pertaining to that which is pleasant or easy, with the implication of suitability—‘pleasant, easy.’

Illustration: Galatians 4:8-20 Sunday School Lesson

Burden

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 15.208 φορτίον, ου ; γόμος, ου

‘to cause to carry a load,’

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. φορτίον

that which is carried and constitutes a burden, burden

Light

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 86.2 ἐλαφρός, ά, όν

pertaining to being relatively light in weight—‘light, not heavy.’

The LORD will satisfy the weary soul…

Jeremiah 31:25 ESV

For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.”

Transition To Close

Illustration: Rev. Sis. Lady Nikki and I had our first conversation together over the phone (back when pre-dating was called “Talking” and couples used to talk to one another)

Talking, Dating, What’s the difference between the two, if any? In the past couple of years, a new form of dating has become a household name for teenagers around the U.S. Confusing to those who are unfamiliar with the term, Urban Dictionary defines talking as “When two people are not exclusive with each other nor have established what they are as a couple, but have some sort of relationship.” Talking is also described as the instance when an individual “has a thing” with someone but lacks any sort of commitment.

Comparable to courting of another time, the “talking” stage may hold different meanings for people. Talking is the period of texting, development of feelings, and hanging out with another person before officially dating. The description of this stage is why many adults argue that it is the parallel of dating. The question of whether a couple is exclusive or if they are even considered a “couple” to the public are questions that may cause fighting and awkward conversations.

Defining the relationship (DTR) is a conversation that is essential to any “talking” relationship and is either a source of great excitement or confusion.

Jesus wants DTR and have your commitment!

Then Rev. Sis. Lady Nikki told me her favorite scripture

The LORD is the Everlasting God!

Isaiah 40:28–31 ESV

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

The LORD is My Shepherd

Psalm 23:1–6 ESV

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Cast Your Burdens on the LORD

Psalm 55:22 ESV

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Unless the LORD Builds the House

Psalm 127:1–2 ESV

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

Close- Jesus Is Everything

From Him Comes My Salvation

Psalm 62:1 ESV

For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.

Cast All Your Anxieties on Jesus- He Cares for You!

1 Peter 5:6–11 ESV

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Christ Also Suffered Once for Sins

1 Peter 3:18–19 ESV

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison,

1 Peter 3:22 ESV

who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

"Glory, Glory" by Ike & Tina Turner

Glory, glory, hallelujah

Since I laid my burden down

I feel better, so much better

Since I laid my burden down

Feel like shouting, "hallelujah"

Since I laid my burden down