Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

The freedom to take breaks whenever I choose ranks as a treasured retirement perk. Strategically placed rocking chairs testify to that priority.

Jesus, though, spoke of a different kind of rest. Matthew recorded an occasion when Jesus taught the crowds. In the midst of teaching, Jesus suddenly began praying to His Father.  

In His prayer, Jesus requested His Father show favor to the newest followers, ones He called babes. Jesus identified these babes as ones who had recently had spiritual truths and the mysteries of the Gospel revealed to them.

He understood how Jewish law had created a burdensome weight for those wanting to honor God.

Within this context we read Jesus’ gentle words, words directed toward those newest followers, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28 NIV).

Jesus wanted these babes to discover a purer, more spiritual way of worship -- a worship of restnot regulation. Imagine the impact of those words on their weary hearts.

That simple message frees my own heart from self-imposed striving to measure up, to please God. His gift to me offers: peace in my soul, rest in His love, relief from the effort of serving, and freedom to live for His glory in the power of His Holy Spirit—true rest.

Thank you, Father, that Your Word guides me into the soul rest I seek. Just as You cared for the newest believers, You continue to care for our burdens today. Thank You that Your sensitivity to our need for resting in Your unconditional love is timeless.

Linda Lesniewski