“Come…, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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.”
Matthew 11:28-29
Was there ever a more moving and wonderful invitation? Especially since it comes from the mouth of Jesus, our Lord! If you were in the middle of an exhausting work day, and your boss came to say, “Take a break. I’d like you to lie down and rest. Get a nap! And don’t worry a bit about the work,” wouldn’t it seem to be an amazing invitation? The God of the Universe has bid you come for an even deeper rest.
This gracious invitation is not just for the first time we come to Him. It is for every time we are burdened by our continuing sinfulness and failure. It is for when we feel depressed, when we feel beset by all the “oughts” and “shoulds” thrown at us by the world, when our desire to be perfect torments us.
Jesus has set us free from all of that. His yoke is easy because He is in us to take away the strain. With Jesus, how could that be heavy? If we have good reason to feel guilty about something, the guilt is lifted immediately when we confess and ask for forgiveness. We are free to amend our life without being pulled down by constant guilt. Are you burdened and weighed down? “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
This gracious invitation is not just for the first time we come to Him. It is for every time we are burdened by our continuing sinfulness and failure. It is for when we feel depressed, when we feel beset by all the “oughts” and “shoulds” thrown at us by the world, when our desire to be perfect torments us.
Jesus has set us free from all of that. His yoke is easy because He is in us to take away the strain. With Jesus, how could that be heavy? If we have good reason to feel guilty about something, the guilt is lifted immediately when we confess and ask for forgiveness. We are free to amend our life without being pulled down by constant guilt. Are you burdened and weighed down? “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
Scripture Focus
Galatians 3:21-4:7
Insight
His burden is light because it generates joy and gratitude, two things that will never weigh you down.
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 10-11
- Psalm 5
- Matthew 8-9
