20151118 REST

REST

Matthew 11:28-30 Then Jesus said, "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  (29)  Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  (30)  For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."

Jesus goes from a scathing rebuke (vs 21-24) to thanksgiving and praise (vs 25) to a Messianic proclamation of Who Jesus really is (vs27) to a most comforting invitation.

This invitation promises rest. I hear people all around me telling how busy they are, how tired, exhausted, worn out they are, as if in competition of who carries the heaviest load and who among them is the most likely to suddenly die of over exhaustion.

All around us, for us, in us and through us Jesus is doing miracles, but like the people of Korazin we miss them and think them the works of chance or worse, miracles of our own doing.

But for those who feel the weight of what they are doing and can see that their efforts are falling short and wearing them out He calls out, “Come to Me.” When they answer Him He urges them to lay down their heavy burdens and He touches them with a holy rest. He does not leave them to sleep too long, but urges them to take on a different load. They will still work, but in a fitting yoke. This yoke will not chafe nor wear down the wearer. The work He gives will matter for it will be the work for which they were created. Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” He will teach them this work and in it they will find a refreshing as they go along. The work itself will bring new life to their souls.

If you are participating in the competition and finding yourself winning the gripe sessions with other busy, worn out individuals. Stop. Yes, stop. Listen to the invitation of Jesus. Go to Him. Lay down your burdens, your ideas of what it is to serve. Accept the rest He offers. When you awaken make a list of all you are doing and give Him permission to go over that list with you. Give Him permission to tell you what needs to go. You will have to learn the word, “No.”

Then ask Him if there is anything you are not doing that you should be doing. Listen. If you are His sheep, then He promises you will hear His voice. Now follow His guidance.

Father in heaven, we pile stuff on that You did not plan for us. We live in a society that praises busyness and has no patience for waiting or really resting. One of Your commandments is for us to Sabbath. Forgive us for ignoring You and the healing, peaceful rest You offer. Help us as Your children to accept this gift You offer. Cause our ears to be open to Your direction and may we be found faithful to the work for which You created each of us. In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!