Matthew 11:28-30New Living Translation (NLT)
28 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.”
We are a burden carrying people. The burdens of family obligations, financial difficulties, and health challenges together with work deadlines and concerns regarding the economy and the world around us weigh heavy on our hearts. My guess is that I've made some of you anxious already! Sorry.
Those who came to hear Jesus speak had many of the same worries and burdens. They were looking for peace in a violent and corrupt world. They came seeking hope from God and from this young teacher. They had been used to listening to Rabbi's before who promised to teach them about God but these placed on more burdens, restrictions, and regulations. Just what they needed more things to make them weary. To please God they had to live a "perfect life" or at least this is what they heard from the Pharisees of the time. However, Jesus was different and He continues to be different today as well.
Jesus says, "Come to me". Not so he can weigh us down with more rules, regulations and obligations but to love us, unburden us and to show grace and mercy. But not only that he comes to give us hope, strength and to offer salvation! He came as a humble teacher with a gentle heart. He came with a shepherd's heart.
To Ponder: Yes the obligations of life continue but Jesus is holding us and promises never to leave us. Never! Today find rest from your troubles. Cast them upon him today! You and God can handle anything that comes your way today. So rest...
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