All Articles
Jesus: The Ultimate Rest
One evening, I was sitting on my couch thinking about the present time. In the moment I was hurting; I was saddened. My pro football team had just lost its star defensive end for the season due to an injury. Before the first game, the year was over for him. On a much more serious note, I considered the lives that were being taken in Afghanistan. Innocent people were being murdered. I thought of my spouse, as she has worked tirelessly to care for patients who were either drastically sick or on their deathbed. Many of them will not make it, due to the virus that has greatly impacted this world during the past 18 months. It is easy to get weighed down in life by things that don’t matter and by things that do.
As I was thinking of these things, my mind went to the 11th chapter in the gospel of Matthew. Jesus says there:
28“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.”
Matthew 5.28-29
Two things for us to think on today regarding these words from our Savior. First, Jesus is always there with open arms. He begs to have a relationship with you. He can provide peace, love, and worth in a world that is evil. He can provide comfort to those who are weary. He alone, is the ultimate burden bearer. He can provide the ultimate rest. Eternal rest. Do we forget this?
Secondly, our goal as Christians is to be Christ-like. How can we do that? By being gentle and humble in heart to those around us. Whether it be our peers, our church family, our co-workers, or our physical family. We have a responsibility as a child of God to treat others just like Jesus did. We can be that burden bearer that our brother or sister needs. These roles are a responsibility of ours daily, not just when we feel like it.
For many people in the world, there is a void in their life. For many Christians, they also feel this emptiness from time to time. Jesus can fill that void. Jesus can make you whole again. Are you weary? Are you burdened? Maybe you’re shining brightly and in a great state. Whatever situation we’re in, Solomon reminds us what we must do every day.
“The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.”
Ecclesiastes 12.13
Whether we are happy or sad, hurting or thriving, we are called to fear God and keep His commandments. Thankfully, we have our great God to cling to during the difficult times, and the good times while here on this earth. Our God prepares us a home. May we each strive for the ultimate rest in Heaven where our Lord abides.
