“Come to Me…”

 

I was praying and this verse crossed my mind, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NIV). As I meditated on this scripture, several thoughts came to mind.

The word “burdened” is defined as a load or weight that is exceptionally heavy; a misfortune that causes hardship, anxiety, or grief. Jesus addressed the anguished Jewish people, who were required by the self-righteous Pharisees, to follow laws and regulations they had written and added to the 613 commandments already in place.

Jesus urged the people, “Come to Me and I will give you rest—all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke—for it fits perfectly—and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens” (Matthew 11:28 TLB). Jesus was telling them that in Him, there is rest and freedom from those things that enslave, when we allow Him to teach us.

“Rest” means to cease work or movement in order to regain strength, health, or energy. Jesus was inviting all to a place of rest, but to find that rest, they would need to be teachable and hungry for truth and knowledge that only He could offer. In that truth and knowledge, they would find freedom from manmade constraints, thereby, discovering true freedom in Christ.

The constraints, pressures, and challenges of every day life place heavy burdens that we too often try to carry. For that reason, Jesus’ words bear repeating, “Come to Me and I will give you rest—all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke—for it fits perfectly—and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens” (Matthew 11:28 TLB). He gives rest to our souls when we come to Him as teachable students.

Moses felt burdened and overwhelmed with the responsibility of leading the children of Israel to the Promised Land, so he asked God to teach him His ways, that he might have continued favor with God. The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14). It pleases God when we ask Him to teach us His ways.

God’s response to Moses is His response to all who are faithful, available, and teachable. Only through Him and His purposes will we find our rest, for it is God who keeps us in perfect peace when our minds are placed steadfastly (unwaveringly, resolutely, dutifully, firmly) on Him; then we are able to trust Him (Isaiah 26:3). And where there is trust, there is freedom from fear, worry, and doubt.

Jesus was obedient unto death, because He trusted the Father and became the fulfillment of the Law of God. He carried the burden that we were meant to carry. That is why He calls to us, “…wear My yoke—for it fits perfectly.”

Oxen are yoked (joined) together. When we are yoked with Christ, we are walking in tandem with Him. How then can we fail with Him by our side?

Michael and I are counted among the many who have grown weary and burdened by so many difficult challenges, but God calls to us, “Come to me…” “Let me teach you.” This has indeed, been a long season of learning and growing in faith for both of us.

We are all invited to “Cast [our] burdens on the Lord, and He shall sustain [us]; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22). He tells us, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

Christianity is not religiosity that follows a set of manmade rules and mandates. It is a viable, living and active relationship with the sovereign God through His Son Jesus Christ.

The word “Christian” is defined as a disciple (a follower and student of Christ), who enjoys daily intimate interaction through prayer and conversations with God. A disciple of Christ hungers for God’s Word, because it feeds the soul and reveals the very nature and heart of God.

“Come to Me…” “Let me teach you.” Those words softly ring as a sweet invitation to respond to the Lord. May we all respond daily to His invitation.

PRAYER: FATHER, I humbly come to you this day and relinquish pride, unbelief, uncertainty, fear, worry, and anxiety. As You and I walk yoked together as one, teach me those things that You want me to know, so that I may find rest and peace in my soul. In Jesus name, amen.

Note: A butterfly represents change, endurance, hope, and a resurrected life.