Matthew 11:28-30, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."  

Nothing that I could say would be better than Matthew Henry on this passage in his Concise Commentary; "Our Savior has invited all that labor and are heavy-laden, to come unto him. In some senses, all men are so. Worldly men burden themselves with fruitless cares for wealth and honors; the jovial and the sensual labor in pursuit of pleasures; the slave of Satan and his own lusts, is the merest drudge on earth. Those who labor to establish their own righteousness also labor in vain. The convinced sinner is heavy-laden with guilt and terror, and the tempted and afflicted believer has labors and burdens. Christ invites all to come to Him for rest to their souls. He alone gives this invitation; men come to him, when, feeling their guilt and misery, and believing his love and power to help, they seek him in fervent prayer. Thus it is the duty and interest of weary and heavy-laden sinners, to come to Jesus Christ. This is the gospel call; Whoever will let him come. All who thus come will receive rest as Christ's gift and obtain peace and comfort in their hearts. But in coming to him they must take his yoke, and submit to his authority. They must learn of him all things, as to their comfort and obedience. He accepts the willing servant, however imperfect the services. Here we may find rest for our souls, and here only. Nor need we fear his yoke. His commandments are holy, just, and good. It requires self-denial and exposes to difficulties, but this is abundantly repaid, even in this world, by inward peace and joy. It is a yoke that is lined with love. So powerful are the assistances he gives us, so suitable the encouragements, and so strong the consolations to be found in the way of duty, that we may truly say, it is a yoke of pleasantness. The way of duty is the way of rest. The truths Christ teaches are such as we may venture our souls upon. Such is the Redeemer's mercy; and why should the laboring and burdened sinner seek for rest from any other quarter? Let us come to Him daily, for deliverance from wrath and guilt, from sin and Satan, from all our cares, fears, and sorrows. But forced obedience, far from being easy and light, is a heavy burden. In vain do we draw near to Jesus with our lips, while the heart is far from Him. Then come to Jesus to find rest for your souls."  

Will you come to Jesus today?

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. What is burdening your heart today?

2. Are you fearful of the circumstances you find yourself facing today?

3. Take a moment to describe what it means to you to take Christ’s yoke upon you.

4. What ultimately will allow you to find rest for your soul?