Matthew 11:28-30
[Jesus said] “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for inviting all who are weary and burdened to come to you. The effects of the world weigh heavily on all people; it seems no one—neither the wealthiest nor the poorest—is immune to life’s hardship and problems.
Our challenge is that sin affects us all, and one’s sins cause guilt and shame for all we say, do, and think. You give us rest for all the bad decisions of our youth, the mistakes we made that hurt others, and all the ways we continue to hold grudges for what others have done to us.
Your yoke was the cross, and you took the world’s sins into yourself, including our bad decisions, mistakes, and all the loveless ways others have treated us—you forgave them all! So when we take your yoke of forgiveness, your gentleness, and your humility, you give us rest for our souls, and your forgiveness also gives us salvation and the hope of eternal rest in heaven.
There is nothing left for us to feel guilt or shame over because you have removed our every pain. All the burdens that come at us from the world are gone because of your love, grace, and mercy. Only by faith in You do we learn from You and emulate Your grace for others, so we ask that You bless us with wisdom to know and do Your will so that we can serve others as You have served us.
Please let us share your rest with those who do not know or trust you, sharing your word with them so they will confidently believe and hold on to the complete rest only you can give. Please make your home in their hearts, giving them eternal rest and salvation through your forgiveness. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Jesus wants you to come to him—no matter who you are or what you have done—and you come by faith. The Holy Spirit begins your faith when you realize your sins and quit rejecting him. The Holy Spirit delivers Jesus’ love and mercy, and faith is the open hand to receive it.