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 everyone who is weary and burdened to come to you. The struggles of the world weigh heavily on all people; it seems that no one—neither the rich nor the poor—is immune to life’s hardships. Our challenge is that sin affects everyone, and each person’s sins bring guilt and shame for everything we say, do, and think. You give us rest from all the poor decisions of our youth, the bad choices of adulthood, the mistakes we’ve made that hurt others, and all the times we still hold grudges for what others have done to us. The result of sin is what causes aging, sickness, disease, and death.
Yet, your yoke was the cross, and you took the world’s sins upon yourself, including our wrong choices, mistakes, and all the loveless ways others have treated us—you forgave them all! So, when we receive your yoke of forgiveness, your gentleness, and your humility, you give us rest for our souls, and your forgiveness also grants 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 taken away our every pain. All the burdens that come at us from the world are gone because of your love, grace, and mercy. Only through faith in You do we learn from You and imitate Your grace for others, so we ask that You bless us with wisdom to understand and do Your will so that we can serve others as You have served us. Please help us share your rest with those who neither know nor trust you, spreading your word so they can confidently believe and hold onto the complete rest only you can provide. Please make your home in their hearts, granting 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 stop rejecting Him. The Holy Spirit delivers Jesus’ love and mercy, and faith is the open hand to receive it.