Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) is the framework scripture for this #YearofRest series! Let’s read what it says: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”e for this #YearofRest series! Let’s read what it says: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

According to a Charles Spurgeon’s sermon¹ on this Scriptural reference (widening the text to earlier verses in the full chapter, verses 25-26), it is easy to mistake Jesus’ previous words about to whom can first receive the revealed God the Father through Jesus; however, the word “all” in the key verses signify that this invitation is not restricted, but in fact available to all who fit the condition: weary and burdened. In other versions, the condition is listed as “all you who labor and are heavy-laden and over-burdened”² and “who are weary and carry heavy burdens”³. Spurgeon goes on to say that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for all. Jesus has said of Himself: that he has come for those who are sick and in need of Him⁴ and to serve others⁵. In addition, 2 Peter states that it is not God the Father’s desire that anyone be eternally lost⁶. 

Side note: We’ll address more about the yoke and the spiritual analogy to Christ and us later.

I truly believe that it is our realization, that we are in desperate need of salvation and fulfillment/contentment in Christ, that positions us for change. We often look for that in all the wrong places, places that cannot fulfill or that only provide temporary comfort from life’s challenges. I’ve been there. Even after accepting Jesus at a very young age, I still struggle with trying to operate in my own strength. I’ll share more specific examples in days to come; However, I’m reminded of Jesus’ open invitation. 

This invitation is open to all, never expires like marketing strategies of companies soliciting our financial support. This invitation is a peaceful, endearing appeal from our gentle Lord who knocks on the doors of our hearts to relieve the pressure, to walk with us, and to carry the brunt of the work that would and often does wear us out. We weren’t meant to do this life with our human efforts.

There is a Source that is eternal and unfailing — That Source is Jesus Christ. He longs to fulfill the deepest parts of your soul and help you live this life to the full. No more delay. Will you accept the invitation today?

“And yet Your yoke is easy. Would You trade us, our heaviness for rest? We give You our brokenness for rest. We give You our unforgiveness for rest. Our minds are racing. We don’t know how to rest…So can we trade You… for healing? Can we trade You for freedom?…We need You.”
Lyrics from “Appeal: Exchange” by Jordan G. Welch

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, I desire to receive this rest that I know ultimately is found in You and You alone. Over the course of this devotional study, reveal to me the barriers to accepting this gift You long to give me and any areas of my life hindered from fully walking in this peaceful rest that abiding in You brings. I willingly lay down my way to receive a much better way, Your Way. Speak Holy Spirit and have Your way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

References: 

¹ Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Sermon: Rest, Rest; January 8, 1871 (spurgeon.org)

² Amplified version ³ New Living Translation ⁴ See Matthew 9:9-13 ⁵ See Mark 10:35-45 ⁶ See 2 Peter 3:8-9