“O Come To The Altar”
Key Verse: Matthew 11:28–30
Sermon Key Verses: Psalm 13, Romans 15:13
I love hero movies. It doesn’t matter if it’s a superhero or action hero—so long as there’s a hero with unwavering dedication to a cause and who defies all odds to save the day, I’m in. (It also helps if something blows up!)
I think what appeals to me most is the hero’s relentless dedication to their mission. They may question whether they’ll succeed, but they never consider any option other than rising to the occasion.
Of course, in these movies, the hero is often tasked with saving someone who is completely unable to help themselves. Imagine how that person must feel once they’re in the care of the hero. Even though things may still be chaotic and scary, there’s a sense of relief and comfort in knowing they’re in good hands.
While that illustration may be a bit of a stretch, I do think it relates well to Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28–30:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
I don’t love the “Jesus is a hero” analogy—because He’s so much more than that—He is our Savior, Messiah, Redeemer, and Friend (You Are Holy (Prince of Peace) made famous by Michael W. Smith). 1Still, the chaotic narrative fits: life can be an absolute mess at times.
Just look at what David wrote in Psalm 13, one of our key texts this Sunday:
1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I take counsel in my soul
and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”
lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.
5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the Lord,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.
What Jesus tells us in Matthew 11 is that He is the place where our souls can find rest. It’s in His presence and through the application of His ways that we find rest for our souls.
This Sunday we’re going to sing O Come to the Altar. This song is primarily about the weight of our sin and the forgiveness and freedom that are found in Christ. However, It also serves as a reminder that the provision, direction, and hope we need are found in Him as well.
Let’s look at a few lyrics from the song:
Verse 1
“Are you hurting and broken within?” — This echoes Jesus’ words in Matthew 11: “All who labor and are heavy laden…”
“Do you thirst for a drink from the well?” — C.S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity (paraphrased), “He is the fuel our souls were designed to burn.” There’s a truth here: only Christ can satisfy our deepest needs. Whatever those needs may be, if we try to meet them outside of God’s presence and provision, we will not be satisfied.
Philippians 4:19: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Verse 2
“Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy…” — Psalm 30:11: “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.”
Because of God’s presence, joy is still possible in the midst of hardship. I’m always amazed when I visit people in the hospital and see how they can still acknowledge God’s provision and presence, even amid suffering. It challenges and convicts me to stop complaining and look for God’s hand in my own difficult circumstances.
Bridge
“Sing Alleluia, Christ is risen!” — 1 Peter 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
The resurrection of Christ gives us the hope and comfort we need to trust that God is powerful enough to handle our circumstances. If Christ conquered death, then surely God can handle what we’re going through.
The phrase “Christ is risen” should not only assure us of salvation but also infuse us with hope and strengthen our trust in His power.
Romans 15:13:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
When Jesus taught His disciples how to pray in Matthew 6:5–14, He told them to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Naturally, our minds go to basic needs like food, water, and shelter—but what if this is more than just a prayer for physical provision?
Elmer Towns, in his book Praying the Lord’s Prayer for Spiritual Breakthrough, writes:
“When you pray for bread for ‘this day,’ you are expressing ultimate confidence in God. You are recognizing that He is your Father and you are His child.”2
Matthew 6:8 says:
“…for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”
As God’s children, we have unique intimacy and access to a loving Father. He is not bothered by our presence, nor does He tire of our requests. He delights in providing for His children.
Matthew 7:11 says:
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”
Sometimes, when I don’t know what the next step is, I find myself praying:
“God, give me this day my daily bread.”
In other words:
“God, I don’t even know what I need to get through this—but You do. Would You please supply what I need through Your presence for this situation?”
I don’t know where you’re at this week. Maybe it’s been a good one, or maybe it’s been the worst week ever. Either way, let’s not lose sight of the rest and provision that are found in the presence of God.
“Lord, give us this day our daily bread.”
“Lord, You know my needs—even the ones I don’t. Please supply them through Your presence.”
Adam