Soul Rest

Soul Rest 

(Matthew 18:1-4) 

Yearly Theme:  “Goodness is… Glorious” 

Series Title:  “Beyond the Noise” 

October 13th, 2024 

Something to think about: 
 

The inherent qualities of childhood should never be lost, but sadly as they grow into adults children lose these enduring qualities that Jesus said were key factors in entering into the Kingdom of GOD. 

As we continue our series today about learning the spiritual disciplines of solitude and silence, we come to a passage in the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament.  At the beginning of Matthew 18, Jesus is confronted by His disciples with the question of who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Calling a little child to Himself as an example, Jesus told them that anyone who wanted to enter the Kingdom of Heaven must become as humble as a little child.  Let’s read along with that passage: 

Matthew 18:1-4 (NLT), 

About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”  

2 Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them.  3 Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.  4 So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. 

As Jesus most often did, He refocused the disciples' attention on the most important things in life.  Whereas they were concerned about themselves and the benefits of following Him, the disciples needed an adjusted perspective.  Being the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven was less important than entering the Kingdom of Heaven, and the entrance requirement was childlike faith. 

Key Point:  “Childlike faith and trust in GOD is the key to true contentment and soul rest.” 

Childlike faith is not only the key to entering the Kingdom of Heaven but is also necessary for entering the presence of GOD in solitude and silence.  This is where true rest for the soul is found. But how does one actually do this?  What does becoming like a child really look like?... 

•  from our  . 

Matthew 18:3 (NLT),  Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.” 

This requires admitting not just some of our wrongs, but all of them.  It is a complete emptying of the self in confession and repentance. 

•  ourselves. 

Matthew 18:4 (NLT),  “So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” 

This is the key to greatness.  When we are truly humble, having forsaken ourselves, we don’t care about rankings within the Kingdom of Heaven, or the benefits of being a follower of Christ because our focus has completely changed from “ME” to “THEE.” 

Something to take home: 

Is your soul completely at rest with GOD?  When you approach Him do you feel like you’re approaching a stranger, an acquaintance, a life-long friend, or a beloved family member?   

The closer we draw to GOD the more of the world we shed.  With the weight of the world lifted in the presence of GOD, the soul can truly find rest. 

Key Point:  “Childlike faith and trust in GOD is the key to true contentment and soul rest.”