THEMATIC BACKGROUND from: Who Will Rescue Me

KEY VERSES: Matthew 11:29-30
   (NRSV) "Come to me, all you that are weary and are
   carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 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.
   For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
   
PROMISE: If I am burdened down with a heavy burden I can come 
to Jesus and He will give me rest.

RESPONSE: I need to come to Jesus, responding from my heart. 
This is done in the Creative Closing by picturing myself coming to 
Jesus carrying a heavy pack and asking Him for a lighter one.

									
CREATIVE CLOSING
You can respond to Jesus from your heart like a little child through 
a picture. Use your imagination.  Before I describe the picture I will 
pray for God to use this picture in a real way to allow you to come to 
Jesus. 
 
‘Father, as we picture coming to Jesus with our burdens, may your Holy 
Spirit make this a real interaction in the spirit. Thank You.’

Now remain in a prayerful attitude and picture yourself carrying a very
heavy and ill-fitting pack.  It is rubbing painfully on your shoulders.
It seems to be unbalanced.  You strongly wish that you could put it down
but no one has offered to carry it for you.

Now you see Jesus.  You remember his promise to take heavy burdens and
give an easy yoke.  Happy now, you go over to Jesus and ask him if he 
would take your heavy ill-fitting pack and give you a lighter one.

He agrees and takes off your heavy pack. The lighter one that he gives 
you really seems to sit just right.  You feel lighter and better able 
to travel.  Notice how you feel as you go on your way.  You think about
what is life going to be like with this lighter pack.  You thank him.
Amen.


copyright - George Hartwell, 2002, 2005
            Rev. Richard J. Fairchild - Spirit Networks, 2002 - 2006
            please acknowledge the appropriate author if citing these resources.