Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Matthew 11:28-30
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
The restless soul is never satisfied with wealth and success. A deceased music icon could testify to this truth. He had nearly forty of his albums appear in various top-ten charts and just as many number-one singles. But he also had multiple marriages and spent time in prison. Even with all his achievements, he once lamented: "There's a restlessness in my soul that I've never conquered, not with motion, marriages or meaning.... It's still there to a degree. And it will be till the day I die." Sadly, he could have found rest in his soul before his life ended.
Jesus invites all those, like this musician, who have become weary from toiling in sin and its consequences to come to Him personally: "Come to me," He says. When we receive salvation in Jesus, He will take the burdens from us and "give [us] rest" (Matthew 11:28). The only requirements are to believe in Him and then to learn from Him how to live the abundant life He provides (John 10:10). Taking on the yoke of Jesus' discipleship results in our finding "rest for [our] souls" (Matthew 11:29).
When we come to Jesus, He doesn't abbreviate our accountability to God. He gives peace to our restless souls by providing us with a new and less burdensome way to live in Him. He gives us true rest.
Today’s Hymns:
Cast Your Burdens
Lord, I Give You My Heart
Scripture to Respond:
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Reflection:
In what ways do you feel weary and burdened right now? What's it like to experience the promised rest Jesus offers?
Prayer:
Jesus, let my restless soul find peace and rest in You alone.
Wong Wai Tung (Chief Executive Officer of The Great Wall Education Foundation)
