Untitled Sermon

The New Revised Standard Version False and True Worship

If you refrain from trampling the sabbath,

from pursuing your own interests on my holy day;

if you call the sabbath a delight

and the holy day of the LORD honorable;

if you honor it, not going your own ways,

serving your own interests, or pursuing your own affairs;

14 then you shall take delight in the LORD,

and I will make you ride upon the heights of the earth;

I will feed you with the heritage of your ancestor Jacob,

for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

The New Revised Standard Version Jesus Thanks His Father

28 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

That we are weary and carrying heavy burdens is truth:

There are approximately 600,000 paid clergy in North America. Over 65% of them were abused as children, and most have not addressed that abuse. ( Dan Allender (spring 2016) “Issues of abuse,” lectures at the Seattle School of Theology & Psychology: Seattle, WA) http://gracefall.org/pastors-secrets/the-statistics/

100% of pastors had a close associate or seminary buddy who left the ministry because of burnout, conflict in their church, or from a moral failure.

90% of pastors stated they are frequently fatigued, and worn out on a weekly and even daily basis (did not say burned out).

90% of pastors stated they are frequently fatigued, and worn out on a weekly and even daily basis (did not say burned out).

89% of pastors considered leaving the ministry at least once.

77% of pastors report marriage discontent.

75% of pastors feel unqualified and/or poorly trained to lead, manage, or counsel their congregations

72% of pastors stated they only studied the Bible when preparing for sermons or lessons.

71% of pastors state they are burned out, battle depression & fatigue on a daily/weekly basis.

57% of pastors would leave ministry if they had a better place to go-including secular work

Only 38% of pastors use Scripture as a part of their regular devotional practice

Only 26% of pastors report regular personal devotions and report adequate personal, and spiritual growth.

Only 23% of pastors feel happy and content spiritually, in their church, and at home!

21% of pastors do not take any days off; Only 21% of pastors acknowledge having hobbies or outside interests

70% of pastors report ministry damaged their self-esteem.

51% of pastors say that Internet pornography is a possible temptation for them Approximately

More than 30% of pastors are functionally addicted to Internet pornography (5)

90% of pastors work more than 46 hours a week. On average, churchgoers expect their pastor to juggle an average of 16 major tasks each week Pastors working less than 50 hrs/week are 35% more likely to be fired

75% of pastors report they’ve had a significant stress-related crisis at least once

75% of pastors report they’ve had a significant stress-related crisis at least once

50% of pastors do not believe that they are capable of meeting job requirements

The New International Version Chapter 11

28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?

Yes, we carry heavy burdens.

Sabbath = Ceasing

The core meaning on the word ‘rest’ in our theme text is to stop or to cease, and by implication, to rest.

A yoke is for TWO animals, not one.

I hear Jesus invitation in this way, “When you are weary and carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will help you stop. Let’s yoke - harness - tether - ourselves together, join at the shoulder. Follow my lead. I’ll be gentle with you and walk at your pace, and in the sharing, the joining, your soul will stop wearing itself out from shouldering that burden alone.”

In her book, Even God Rested: why it’s ok for women to slow down, Kim Thomas, observes two