There are many other texts that we could reference to refresh – the Psalms are replete with praise for streams that cheers the saints (Psalm 42:1-2, 5 & 43:3-4; 46:1-5; 63:1-8; 84:1-7; 92:12-15; 104:10-15), into which believers must regularly sink deep roots. Then there are those passages that point us, firstly, to the appointed day to refresh – Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 23:12; 31:17 – and secondly, to the Mediator, Christ Jesus, crucified, risen and ascended, in union with whom God grants refreshment, in Matthew 11:28-30, and the ability to refresh saints in a spirit of gentleness.

Introduction

Yesterday was a treat – particularly worship last night. I attended a local service at which a friend I trained with was preaching.

An Experience of Refreshment

Honestly, I was blown away: perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised. He is a wise, godly, able pastor-preacher. He spoke on bearing burdens in Galatians 6:1-10. His sermon introduced several, helpful, fine distinctions. It overflowed with grace and very illumining truth. It gave penetrating insights into the problems Christians face, a ministry given to all saints, weakness that plagues our hearts, and the gentle solution in Christ. God spoke to me very powerfully through this Word about the need to increase understanding in these oft-neglected areas. It left me asking ‘How did I miss that?’ It moved me to pray ‘Lord give me more insight!’ I shared my reflections with him, asked him around for supper, and in company with my wife, we whiled away the rest of Man’s Sabbath with more deep, enriching, refreshing, spiritual reflection.

A Surprise at Refreshment

Now, I have to admit, I didn’t expect too much: I felt quite jaded yesterday before I went to Church. I wasn’t greatly relishing time sitting in the pew. I’ve been enjoying hours of study-time this week. Meeting with the saints seemed not to hold out the same prospects. I guess if you’re stretched joy and color drains from life – bright sermons can seem bland, worship songs a dirge or drudge. Thank God, that our Lord knows exactly what we need – what grace and mercy flow from a heart that does not reward such tired or jaundiced views of His appointed place of rest in Christ – His House.

Famous Examples of Refreshment

The heart of Christ, you see, stoops to refresh saints. There are some fine examples of this principle in Scripture. One beautiful little cameo act of refreshment that springs to mind, at once, is the supply of Barzillai the Gileadite who, in 2 Samuel 18:27-29, ministered to exhausted, exiled, David with beds, bags and bottles in extremis.

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