Today’s scripture: Matthew 11:28-30 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Tommy Chittenden):
Kneeling and with outstretched arms, a parent gently encourages the baby — about to become a toddler — with these words, “Come to me, you can do it, come to Daddy.” I’ve anxiously watched my own sons (now 34 and 25) let go and take those first few wobbly steps into my arms! Truly one of those magical moments for any parent. The insecurity that a new toddler feels is soon gone when they consider the plea of Mom or Dad to unconditionally trust, and they are swept up with words of praise and confirmation.
At the most unexpected moments in our lives — moments of fear, failure, vulnerability, doubt, grief, depression — there comes this gentle, encouraging whisper from Jesus, “Come to Me.” Personal contact with Jesus changes everything!
The attitude we must have in coming to Him is one where we have made the determination to let go of everything that has caused the exhaustion, the listlessness, the anxiety and emotional torture that afflicts us. That determination causes us to “let go” — although we’re wobbly at first — and commit all to the one who extends loving and welcoming arms.
“And I will give you rest.” I think Jesus is saying, “I will sustain you, enable you to stand firm, show you how to walk when the burdens of life seem like too much.” If we consider coming to Jesus as some kind of “get out of jail free” card we will undoubtedly be disappointed!
Instead His invitation, in reality, is a command — a call to discipleship where we must single-mindedly and unresistingly let His yoke rest upon us. Only then can we expect to achieve liberty and enjoy true fellowship. Only then can we find life’s burdens and insecurities manageable by having access to God’s power enabling us to persevere in the right way! “His commands are not burdensome.” (I John 5:3)
He is not necessarily saying, “I will put you to bed, hold your hand, and sing you to sleep”, but rather He is saying, “I will get you out of bed — out of your listlessness and exhaustion, out of your condition of being half-dead while still alive — and I will penetrate you with the Spirit of Life so you can walk with the vitality and power that only the Son of God can give!”
Thought for the day: Jesus, please help me to be quiet and listen, so I can hear and respond as you invite me to “come . . . and receive your rest.”
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to start, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.