Deuteronomy 30:11
“For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach.”
The last time we wrote about the good news and the religious person. Today we’ll focus on those battered by life. Many fit into this category. They may be those with failed relationships, those that are dependent (substances, codependents, homeless, victims of the system and so on). Their’s feels like a hopeless burden. However, Jesus says His way for them isn’t too difficult. They can find a new life that is full of blessing.
A great example from the bible is the Samaritan woman (John 4). She was judged by society for she had been married and divorced five times. Jesus meets her at the well at noon. People normally draw water in the cool of the day. However, she was looking to avoid them. She was ashamed and didn’t want their judgment. She was beaten down by life. Jesus offered her living water. She ridiculed Him for asking. She was closed. He persisted and broke through.
Many are like this lady. Relationships aren’t comfortable. They feel judged or possibly rejected. They build their lives avoiding others. This may bring temporary relief, but they are walling themselves in. They aren’t experiencing healing. Quite the opposite. They have an infection that isn’t allowed to heal. A way out seems impossible. However, Jesus says it isn’t too difficult.
Bitterness may be the poison of the isolated. I think of Scrooge. His mother died in childbirth and his father blamed him. He never received the care needed. He was hated by the father. A very sad situation. Unfortunately that poison was passed on to Scrooge and he lived his life hating. He had no mercy in his business dealings. His words came back to haunt him. To those that were poor or homeless, he said, “are there no prisons or work houses? Let them go there”… or die. He got to see his end; alone and despised. Initially, he wasn’t open to help. He told one of the angels that he wanted to go back to bed. It took that miraculous night to break through. He begged on his bed for help. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30 that His way isn’t difficult.
Shame or fear may be the malady by those that close themselves off. Society hasn’t been good to them. A few years ago, I recall internet posts shaming “Walmart customers”. Others may not gifted in social skills, intelligence, and so on and they choose to avoid others. This is painful. If they hear someone laugh, they may think they are the brunt of a joke. This shaming could be generational and have been passed down by their parents. This ridicule may have started in the home. These find themselves in a prison. However, Jesus says His way works. A lyric from the song, The Gospel says, “To the captive it looks like freedom”. A new shame-free life isn’t conceivable to these. For Jesus, it’s easy.
Lord, thanks that Your way frees and heals us. Thanks that it’s not too difficult. Help us to go to You for all parts of our lives.