Learning

Learning. Oh how we need to be learning, learning of God. Matthew 11:29 says "learn of Me".  I have read that the word used for learn is the same root word as "disciple" adding another layer of depth to the meaning of the verse. Learn of Me can now also be read as "be discipled by Me" or even be My pupil. Be My student. Let's now read Matthew 11:28 - 30 with that thought in mind.

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. [Jer. 6:16.] For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good - not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne."

For several months, maybe longer, I have sensed God leading me to pray for the Body of Christ that they will not only wake up, but that they will also begin to learn again. The urging has become stronger lately, much stronger. If I had the platform to do so I would stand on the highest height and encourage everyone to wake up and come to the Lord's table and learn of Him. Since I don't, I will use the platform I do have. 

Why learning of God is a prayer emphasis right now I don't know, but I know with certainty that all of us need to be learning and growing in the Lord with all diligence. If we haven't made studying the Word of God a priority before, we need to do so now. Perseverance is required of us all as we study the Bible and dive deeper into its rich depths than we've ever gone. Intentionality is necessary as well. We must make time and space to learn of Him.

Ephesians 6:17 instructs us "... take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God." Creating time and space to not only read, but study and memorize, the Word of God can be compared to a soldier keeping his or her weapon ready for use. Disciplining ourselves to spend time studying and learning the Word can be compared to soldiers caring for their swords. Undisciplined, slack soldiers endanger themselves and others.  

Accurate intel is also key to victorious exploits. Uninformed, ignorant soldiers make uninformed, ignorant decisions that can end up in disaster, even death. As soldiers of Christ, our intel is found in His Word. Being ignorant of the Word of God can be disastrous. If we don't read the Word, we won't know the Word. If we don't know the Word, we won't know what we need to know to live the life of Christ. We can be deceived and led astray. We can be kept in places of lack and spiritual malnourishment. We can be held prisoner by the tiniest of evil threads simply because we don't know the Word. Being ignorant of God's Word and ways will also allow us to believe ideas and messages that sound good but are actually vile. Ignorance is deadly to a follower of Jesus. WE MUST LEARN OF HIM. 

Learning of Him is not another burdensome obligation or duty but a rest giving delight. Let's read verse 29 in Matthew 11 again in its entirety: "Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls." (emphasis mine) God's desire for us is to experience rest, relief, and refreshment. This is His plan for our days. When we learn of Him, we will find rest. Warring from a place of rest. What an amazing concept! Our God has ideas and plans that far exceed anything we can imagine. How can we not make space for learning of Him in our days?

This is not a message rooted in fear or panic, but great faith. It's time, soldiers of Christ! Take up your swords! There are battles to fight for our King, who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!!! Hear the battle cry! Fear Not! We have been created and positioned for just such a time as this. There is no lack in our Commander Lord. He has supplied ALL our needs. (Psalm 23:1,2 Corinthians 9:8, Phil. 4:19)  He has already overcome the world! (John 16:33) Please be encouraged by the truth of the victory you have in Him.

May you experience His rest as you learn of Him this day. May every book in the Bible, His Word, every chapter, every verse come together to form a full and complete understanding of Who He is and who you are IN HIM. May you learn and come to know through personal experience the enduring intimacy learning of Him develops and creates. May you find yourself wholly enveloped in He who is the Word made flesh, Emmanuel God with us.

In the name of Yeshua our Lord,

Amen