“The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught,
that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary.”
(Isaiah 50:4)

 A Word for the Weary,

“The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can”
J.R.R. Tolkien

Each of us in on a journey, a road that goes ever on and on. There are days when the journey can seem like a pleasant stroll through lush grass, the sun shining warm on your face, the wind softly at your back. Then there are days when we are weary of the journey, the road is rocky and uneven: This message is a word for the weary.

The road is long and filled with dangers, heartbreaks, disappointments and griefs. You have been let down and hurt, and, if you’re honest, you have caused the same to others.

At times it seems you walk alone, left in the dust of those who move at a quicker pace, who’ve got it all together.

At times it seems the burden is too much to carry, too much to bear. You keep putting one foot in front of the other, but even that seems like a Herculean effort.

At times it seems that the way forward is clouded and uncertain is the destination. You are tempted to give up, to just stop where you are, to quit altogether.

Don’t give up. Do not despair.

God has a word for you, a word for the weary.

His word shows the way.

His word is a light unto your path.

His word assures, encourages, and strengthens the weary.

What is this word of God? Well, it’s not a “what” but a who.

The word of God for you is the Word made flesh: Jesus Christ.

He has come to be the way, the truth and the life.

He has come to shine the light on those who dwell in darkness.

He has come to be Emmanuel, God with Us, so that we are never again alone on the journey.

He has come to give the invitation:
“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 11:28–30)

Writing this a week before Christmas, it is important for us to be reminded why He came. There is an old hymn (not really a Christmas Carol, but just as relevant) that shows us how Christ is the Word to the Weary. All who are weary: hear and come near. (Click here to listen)

Come, ye sinners, poor and wretched,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus, ready, stands to save you,
Full of pity, joined with power.
He is able, He is able;
He is willing; doubt no more.

Come ye needy, come, and welcome,
God’s free bounty glorify;
True belief and true repentance,
Every grace that brings you nigh.
Without money, without money
Come to Jesus Christ and buy.

Come, ye weary, heavy laden,
Bruised and broken by the fall;
If you tarry ’til you’re better,
You will never come at all.
Not the righteous, not the righteous;
Sinners Jesus came to call.

Sola Deo Gloria!