Torch, Spring/Summer 2011

Spring–Summer 2011 | TORCH 3 there helped him deal with his alcohol addiction, but he still had no peace. It was not until Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry and others introduced him to Christ that Summerall’s spiritual emptiness was filled. “I had that feeling,” he said. “I had a feeling of peace.” I Will Give You Rest Do we really want rest? When I meet people during my travels, they often ask, “What do you do?” It is a silly question in abstract — I am always tempted to answer, “What do I do about what?” We ask because we are interested in a person’s occupation. Surnames such as Baker, Potter, Tanner, and Smith remind us that, historically, a person’s very identity was tied to his or her work. Jesus seemed uninterested in the occupations of people he met. He was, however, intensely interested in who they were. That’s why He interacted so easily with prostitutes, lepers, priests, fishermen, women, and children. He dignified and respected them. Those who truly understood His message found rest from the challenges of their circumstances. Although we may not be tempted to identify ourselves by what we do, that does not keep us from filling our days with work. We fear missing out on something, being thought of as lazy, or not keeping up with the competition. In our tech-dominated world, we have extended our reach but diminished our depth. The truth is, we do not know how to disconnect, quiet our hearts, and allow our souls to breathe. Rest for Your Soul In a 1967 episode from The Andy Griffith Show , city clerk Howard Sprague leaves his job and moves to the Caribbean to lie in a hammock all day. Ah, the life! But it does not take long for boredom and lethargy to set in. He fears becoming a mindless beach bum and soon returns to his old life in Mayberry. The good life is not a life of leisure, and the biblical concept of rest does not call us to inactivity. Jesus promises rest not once, but twice in this passage: “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” (Matt. 11:29–30). Taking His yoke means submitting to His guidance and orienting our lives to the great purposes of God. Learning from Him is to be refreshed by Him — His gentleness, His humility. He was never in a hurry. He spent long hours alone. He communed with His Father. Restless No More The Sabbath rest God promises for the people of God reminds us that nothing in this life can satisfy our deepest longings (Heb. 4:9). Young film star Shia LaBeouf has made millions in the past few years. He is just 25 years old, yet he has achieved the American dream. He has everything — except peace. “Sometimes I feel like I’m living a meaningless life, and I get frightened,” he said in a 2009 PARADE Magazine interview. “I have no idea where this insecurity comes from, but it’s a God-sized hole. If I knew, I’d fill it, and I’d be on my way.” It seems a simple answer that a “God-sized hole” can only be filled by God. Come to Him. He is our greatest joy, our greatest hope, and our greatest message to a restless world. Dr. William E. Brown has served as president of Cedarville University since 2003. He received his B.A. in mathematics from the University of South Florida and his Th.M. in theology and Ph.D. in biblical studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. As a nationally recognized worldview expert, he is the author of Making Sense of Your Faith , Where Have All the Dreamers Gone? , and Making Sense of Your World .