Matthew 11:28-30 (Jesus Speaking) says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
This scripture speaks to us of 2 aspects of the promise of rest in this scripture.
1. Eternal aspect of the promise of Rest: Salvation and Eternal life with God
- The Bible, teaches that it is appointed man once to die and then the judgment. You will not be able to take your “protections” with you. Things will not keep you safe from the judgment of God. One day, you will stand totally exposed before the Holiness of God to answer for your life, to answer the questions, “What have you done with my Son, Jesus?” What will you say? Not knowing for sure or trying to earn your way can leave your weary and in need of rest. This is the rest that Jesus is offering.
- If you haven’t dealt with the issue of eternity, it is likely you have not dealt with your sin. The older we get, the more are failures and mistakes seem to increase. Are you weary and heavy laden from carrying the burden of failed marriages? Failed relationships with family? Failed parenting? Failed careers? Failed attempts to overcome self-destructive addictions or behaviors? Failed religious experiences? Despite all your bravado, your jokes, your defenses, do you know deep down that you have fallen short of God’s perfection and there is nothing you can do to bridge that gap? Does sin weigh on you? Are your failures heavy? Have you gone too far? Have you been too bad, hurt too many, fallen to far? Even for God?
- Do you long for rest – to settle with God the issue of your sin – to accept the gift of His Son – the perfect sacrifice – the atonement for your sin? There is good news! Jesus offers hope.
- Jesus will take all you have – all the evil, the sin, failures, pride, self-reliance, arrogance, rage, revenge, abuse. He’ll trade all your garbage – and for that, He’ll give you rest.
2. A life of rest is characterized by walking by the power and under the direction of the Holy Spirit There are 6 places you can find rest (6 essential truths – when understood and incorporated into our life, will allow rest)
- At the cross
- In the acceptance of God’s Grace
- In Surrender to Lordship of Jesus
- In obedience to God
- In fellowship with God (knowing Him and His promises – spending time with Him)
- In walking yoked with the Holy Spirit
May you find the rest today that is available through Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. There is much to be busy about, but Jesus told us that the “good part” was sitting at His feet.
