God Pause for 7/2/2026

God Pause for Thursday, July 2, 2026

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 (NRSV)

Read Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 on biblegateway.com

16"But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, 17'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.' 18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon'; 19the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds."

25At that time Jesus said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; 26yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Devotion

We can only imagine the sorrow in Jesus’ heart as he acknowledged that people just cannot be pleased. When John the Baptist showed up, living simply and calling people to repentance, they said he had a demon. Then, Jesus came eating and drinking with regular people, and they called him a glutton and a drunkard. It’s like they were looking for any excuse to reject the good news instead of receiving it. The same can be true today, especially when we get caught up in our own expectations and we miss the invitation Jesus offers in the middle of the chaos. Instead of letting worry, regret, or trying to control everything drag us down, Jesus wants us to stop fighting against the very peace he’s trying to give. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about trusting he will be there for us even when life feels messy.

Prayer

Loving Lord, we praise your relentless patience and steadfast love. Thank you for forgiving us when we allow the noise in our world to make it difficult to hear your voice calling us to surrender all to you and trusting you will give us peace. Amen.

By: Rev. Dr. Judy Bullock, BCC, '20 M.Div.

Pastor, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Knoxville, TN

Shared by: S.A.M. Pam Kitner

Minister, Faith Lutheran Church, Fort Valley, VA