Miracles and Mysteries: Matthew 8-13Sample

What do you do when you want to rest?

It might be a leisurely walk around your neighborhood. Maybe sunbathing at the beach? Perhaps a nice brunch and coffee with your closest friends? Or maybe a nice and simple 5-hour nap? That might be a bit too long!

We all love rest, don’t we? We go through our weeks looking forward to the time we get it. We block out dates in our calendar so that we can have extended periods of it. Rest is a normal part of life, and something even God Himself did in the creation of the universe. And yet, in the busyness and chaos of life, there are many times when we simply feel exhausted and burdened. Perhaps it’s the relational hardships you’re currently going through. Or the trials and tribulations of what life is constantly throwing at you. Or the deep fear and exhaustion of your own struggles that just won’t go away.

Jesus sees the frenetic life of men and women — He lived it! And He calls you to seek a rest that is not temporary, but one that is everlasting. Jesus is talking about a ‘soul rest’, where the trials and troubles of the world need not crush you, for there is a Saviour who promises you comfort and assurance that goes beyond this life. Jesus, the Son of God, came down not to keep you at a distance, but He lowered Himself in compassion, humility, and love that He may carry your burdens and the weight of all the things you simply cannot carry. It’s because of what Jesus has already done that we can have confidence in what He will do; give true rest for the souls of those who come to Him.

Today, ponder this: What does ‘resting in Jesus’ look like for whatever you’re carrying right now? What might coming to Jesus look like if you have never experienced this rest before?