Hope Challengers: Weariness
Ice-breaker:
Think of a time when you were utterly worn out with weariness/exhaustion/emotional draining etc. [Many women might suggest: giving birth!]
What did it feel like? Describe what you wanted to do, but just couldn't muster the strength for.
How long did it last?
What/who helped you turn the corner to recover from it?
Study:
Read Isaiah 40. 28-31
The prophesy of Isaiah is was written by two, or even three, different people at different times.
It begins with warnings and rebukes about the people's, -[Israel's], -lack of faithfulness to God. Their unfaithfulness has produces consequences; they have suffered as a result. But now a new chapter, with a new prophet, begins. And this time it is full of comfort and hope.
Today's passage is one of the 'favourites' for most people.
Q: What does this image of the soaring eagle say to you?
Q: Has this ever been your experience? [Be honest]
Q: If not, then what's the nearest you've come to this sort of experience of God, and where did it happen?
Q: Note the inclusion of young people in the weariness.
Have you noticed discouragement among young people?
How can we reach out to those who feel there is little future for them and bring them hope?
Q: As lock-down is slowly undone, what do we want to see happening in our society, from what we might have learned during this time? How do we demonstrate hope without sounding false and privileged?
Read: Matt.11. 28-29.
This chapter begins with Jesus sending a message to John the Baptist, in prison, to assure him that Jesus was who John thought he was. Weariness and hardship can unsettle our faith and our confidence, especially under terrible conditions.
Q: Have you ever felt something like this? -needing to be reminded of what you believe, because circumstances are making you question it?
Then Jesus' disciples return from their mission, and all has not gone well. No wonder they are weary. Maybe disillusioned, too?
So, the writer of the Gospel gives us, at this point, this wonderful image of Jesus' invitation to the weary.
Q: How do you feel on first hearing Jesus talk about burdens and yokes? What do these images suggest?
Q: How does he turn both words into something positive? Cf Ex 33.14
Being yoked with Jesus creates an image of intimacy and sharing of the load.
Also, a farmer might yoke an experienced animal together with a younger one, so it could learn.
Q: Now how do you feel about the words: gentle, humble, rest, easy, light?
Q: In Gal 6.2, Paul urges them to 'bear one another's burdens'. How does this fit with Jesus' words here? Can you recall occasions when you have borne someone else's burden with them, -or they, yours?
Q: During lock-down we have heard international news about the burdens some people feel they carry. What might we be doing to help them?
Response:
Think who is burdened most in our society; our church, our family/friends circle. What will we DO to help?
Eg. give money, time, other resources, write letters to the government, phone/ sit with/ take out for a drive someone who is burdened
Q: Are we willing to ask for any of the above, to help with our burdens?
In closing:
Reflect on all the positive things we've said in this session. Offer out thanks to God for them, and for his Presence with us. Ask him to keep us truly 'linked-in'!