“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, 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. “For My yoke is 1easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
For two-thousand years, those verses have been a Spirit-inspired source of joy, comfort, and encouragement for many souls as they have gone through the dark valleys of grief, despair, and brokenness in this fractured world. Why? Because they are divine promises from the resurrected Jesus. The resurrected Jesus comes clean on His promises. He's not an "
Indian-giver", doesn't hem and haw, and doesn't take back what He initially promised. This makes Him a formidable source of potential joy, comfort, and respite for those who are deeply burdened.
- Note that Jesus says that the requirement for the weary and heavy-laden getting rest is that they must come to Him. This offer of rest is given to all who hear the gospel, but very precious few respond to it positively. Why do you think this is? Why would they turn down such a great offer?
- Note that Jesus says He has a "yoke". A "yoke" is the thing placed on the neck of an ox that hooks up to an old-fashioned plow. This means that effort is required to follow Jesus. It isn't a cake walk.
- Note that Jesus says His yoke is easy and that His burden is light. His yoke is easy to wear and His burden is light to bear compared to the burden and weight of the weary and heavy-laden soul.
- Note that Jesus commands the weary to "come" and "take" up a yoke from Him. These commands are rooted in His love. He loves those who are hurting and lovingly invites them to come through commands. Its as if He's saying, "Friend, are you heavy of heart and burdened? Come to me in faith, receive my love, and enjoy my spiritual rest, comfort, and joy as you take on the responsibility of following me."
- The result: You will find rest for your souls.
My friend, do you have that rest? Does Jesus bring you an amazing yet quiet sense of joy, comfort, and spiritual rest? I partook of that rest 17 years ago and have never looked back. I lovingly invite you to do the same. If having that kind of rest sounds appealing to you, then turn from your sins and trust in what Jesus did on the cross to bear your judgment and make you right before God, and you can be sure you will have it. For believers, may God guide you into His perfect peace as you keep your focus on Jesus as your eternal source of joy and rest.
