What’s the best rest you’ve ever had? Is it after a good long sleep in? A relaxing, stress-free day? Jesus invites us to have rest in him completely, do you believe this is possible?
Matthew 11:25-30
25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
When I hear the word ‘yoke’, I think of a pair of animals linked by a wooden cross bar, pulling a plough to prepare the ground for planting (just like the picture above). Ultimately it is sharing the load of the journey, to partner through the tough work. Growing up on a farm, I know what hard work it is preparing the ground ready for planting, the struggle of digging into hard dirt in order for the seed to be sown. Thankfully through modern machinery, it all is done for us now days. But it is this picture of life that Jesus wants to be a part of. Jesus wants us to partner with him, to be yoked with him through-out our lives. This does not result in living a life free of struggles and pressures. Jesus doesn’t remove us from our afflictions or burdens, he offers to join us right in the messiness of it all. It is a tough journey in walking with Jesus, following his example of submission and obedience – as he showed on the cross.
Jesus took upon himself our burdens, our sin and shame – so that we would be able to live a life free from judgement, condemnation and shame. Our biggest burden was placed upon him so that we would know God and have rest in him. It is here where we find rest through-out our lives, at the cross. We partner with Jesus through our burdens and afflictions. Jesus asks us to come to him and receive rest and not just the fleeting rest that we receive after a good sleep in. It is an ongoing, completely satisfying, everlasting rest deep in our souls that Jesus is offering. As Augustine said “our hearts are restless until they find rest in you”, let us find rest in Jesus today and always.
Head: How does the cross of Jesus bring me rest in my life?
Heart: Have I accepted Jesus’ invitation to come to him? With everything I have?
Hands: How can I partner with Jesus in the journey of life today? Through prayer in my burdens and joys? Reading the true words of the Bible? Connecting with other brothers and sisters in Christ? Reflecting on my attitudes and actions?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, how great it is to be able to come to you, with all things. How great your love is towards us that you would take our burdens upon yourself. Help us as we partner in life with you, to know the rest that you give, to rest completely in you. Help us find our rest in you and you alone. Amen.
A Song to listen to: It is Well https://open.spotify.com/track/5t0izTLPeWYLiIfHPJbORJ Ellen Watters
This Grow Daily was originally posted as part of the God With Us – Matthew series. During the School Holidays we take the opportunity to look back at the Grow Dailys over the years.
