Come

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 ESV

The religious leaders’ legalistic interpretations of the Law were burdensome to the Jews. Jesus warned, “The scribes and the Pharisees…preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger” (Matthew 23:4).

While religion concerns itself with what man must do for God, grace centers on what God has done for man. Jesus’ invitation is not to join some movement, political party, or religious affiliation, but to walk with Him according to His ways. Jeremiah 6:16 states, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls…”

What Jesus offers us is a relationship with God that favors grace over legalism and love above rules. Legalism holds the potential to distort the true message of the Gospel and promotes a culture of self-righteousness. In turn, self-righteousness leads to pride as individuals consider themselves superior to those whose behavior doesn’t align exactly with theirs. This attitude can create division within the church and lends itself to judgement towards others based on their conduct.

Are you tired of trying to please others? Do you feel that others pass judgment on you? Truth is, there will always be someone who finds fault. Lift your head, my friend, you’re in good company. Again and again, throughout His years of ministry, Jesus was the object of criticism. Even when He was doing good, the Pharisees and Scribes found reason to condemn his actions.

While I won’t tell you to just live your life as you see fit, I would urge you to study the Word of God. Ask His Spirit to open your eyes and your mind so that you might discern the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2). If you think you have sinned, asked for forgiveness. If not, come to Jesus. Bring the matter to Him and leave it there. He will never condemn those with clean hands and a pure heart (Psalm 24:4). 1 John 3:21 states, “Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God.” Therein you can find rest.

 Prayer: Lord, I am weary of this world and all of its burdens. Today, I open my heart to receive your rest. Fill me with your peace as I go forth, confident in the knowledge that I am forgiven and loved just as I am. Amen.

Thought: “Our culture has accepted two huge lies. The first is that if you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must fear or hate them. The second is that to love someone means you agree with everything they believe or do. Both are nonsense. You don’t have to compromise convictions to be compassionate.” – Rick Warren