I Will Give You Rest... So Come!

I have been spending much time in the Gospel of Matthew over the past three months. This week I am in the eleventh chapter. One of the verses that really spoke to me was verse 28:

Matthew 11:28 ESV  Come to me, all who labor and 

are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
 

Over the past several weeks we have been running kind of crazy because of the holidays. So much to take care of. Shopping for just the right Christmas gift, preparing meals, and spending time with friends and family has been a priority. Then to top it off we had a 5 day road trip covering almost 1500 miles... It is enough to wear you out!

So as I read Matt 11:28, I am compelled to ask a question. "What is this rest he is talking about?" Is Jesus saying He will give me rest from all of my busyness and sometimes overwhelming expectations and pursuits? I think that is exactly what He is saying...

As I break down the verse I see that in order to receive this blessing of rest I am required to do one simple thing. Come to Him. "Come to ME" Jesus says. It is a personal invitation. Jesus has an open door policy. Unlike the boss at our jobs who seem almost untouchable because of their position, Jesus, the creator of the universe invites us to "come."

Are you burdened today? Have you been overtaken by worry, sin, burdens, sickness, temptation, or persecution? Only Jesus can give you the rest you need. He will reassure the worrier, forgive the sinner, take the load off the burdensome, give rest to the sick, help the tempted overcome, and give strength to the persecuted. Jesus is the rest, all we need to do is come.