Come Away

I can hear Jesus’ voice this morning – come away from all your busyness, crowded life and your overburdened thoughts and come away with Me. Leave the temptations and find rest in Me.

Come with me from Lebanon, my bride;
    come with me from Lebanon.
Depart[b] from the peak of Amana,
    from the peak of Senir and Hermon,
from the dens of lions,
    from the mountains of leopards. – Song of Solomon 4:8  ESV

In the midst of reading this morning, I found this quote from a missionary to China. It is a weave of story and it speaks to a disciple’s heart and where that heart receives its strength.

J. HUDSON TAYLOR (1832-1905): “‘Come with me.’ It is always
so. If our Savior says, ‘Go ye therefore and disciple all nations,’
he precedes it by, ‘All power is given unto me,’ and follows it by,
‘Lo, I am with you always.’ Or if, as here, he calls his bride to
come, it is still ‘with me,’ and it is in connection with this loving
invitation that for the first time he changes the word ‘my love,’
for the still more endearing one, ‘my bride.’ ‘Come with me…
from the lions’ dens.’ What are lions’ dens when the Lion of the
tribe of Judah is with us; or mountains of leopards, when He is
at our side! ‘I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.’ On the other
hand, it is while thus facing dangers, and toiling with him in
service, that he says—‘thou hast ravished my heart, my sister,
my bride.’ Is it not wonderful how the heart of our Beloved can
be thus ravished with the love of one who is prepared to accept
his invitation, and go forth with him seeking to rescue the perishing?”

My Catholic friends, the priests whom I admire so much for the dedication and commitment to serve have taken this call to come with such an extreme measure. They want to model a life wholly devoted to God, as a matter of lifelong calling. They want Jesus to be their sole master with no turning back in their ministry. They see themselves called to radical commitment involving even leaving possessions and their entire families.

Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have? – Matthew 19:27  ESV

It may not be such an extreme calling for most of us; however, I believe that Jesus promises to make us into who He wants us to be. Remember the rich young ruler…

 “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” – Matthew 19:21  ESV