Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest…”
Thank God It’s Friday (TGIF). Aside from being a name of a very popular restaurant, this is a common “cry” among employees. It means the end of the week. It means there is no work for tomorrow (for most). It means thanking God for giving us the opportunity to rest after a week of working hard, meeting deadlines, problems at work and dodging colleagues who make our life more difficult at work. It gives us the opportunity to re-think our priorities for life and prepare us for another week of intense battle.
In today’s world, everyone seems to be very busy. Sometimes it would make us think if people are trying to earn their way to heaven by being busy. Are we thinking that we can get to the door of heaven, and God will ask, “Why should I let you into my heaven?” and be happy of we will answer, “Because I’ve been so busy all my life. Just look at all the things I’ve done.” The Pharisees had similar thoughts in Jesus’ day. And Jesus alone has the answer. “Come to me,” says Jesus, “and I will give you rest.” The answer is not work, but rest, rest in Jesus. And only Jesus can give us rest. Christ denounced the Pharisees for laying on the people burdens too heavy to carry, and not lifting one finger to help the people carry those burdens.
This is not the case with Jesus. He has promised to carry our burdens, and oftentimes He does that by carrying us entirely! God will never give us a heavier load than we can bear. Any burden that we bear is certainly infinitely lighter than the burden that Jesus Himself carried for us. And these two things can be of great comfort to us when we undergo trials: Jesus carried more than we ever will, and Jesus is helping us to carry ours even now. Come to Jesus and He will give you rest!
Almighty Father, teach us how to truly rest from our labors. Help me to cease striving. I find myself doing nothing, not because I have nothing to do, but because there are too many things to do and I am overwhelmed. Restore my soul, made weary from the week. Refresh my spirit with the kindness of your Word. Help me to be a refuge for others from their struggles. I praise you, and I love you, God of Rest, for in you alone I am justified. Amen +
The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear Him.
No comments:
Post a Comment