'Come to Me ... Take My Yoke ...'

Hello New Hope Family,

Remember when we were kids and summertime meant SCHOOL’S OUT! How we longed for the last day of school. It was as if every day was Saturday. Then we grew up and became responsible. Now we long for vacation or retirement so we can rest. It’s not that we are lazy. It’s just nice when our load is lightened.

Matthew (tax collector turned disciple) tells of an invitation Jesus gave for what I would call a powerful rest. A Great Rest!

“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, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

I love this invitation! Better than summertime, Jesus calls us to Himself (Come to me...) and to His mission (take my yoke...) and He describes it as Rest! Here’s what’s interesting. Jesus is in the middle of a great work with His disciples. Lives are being changed. People are being set free, healed, and transformed. There is also great opposition and many are rejecting Jesus and His message. Not exactly a picnic... Still, Jesus calls it Rest.

The secret to this powerful rest in the midst of hard work lies in the invitation of Jesus:

Come to me...

What amazing, glorious words. The Lord of all Creation saying, “Come to me.”

Are you ready for a break? Does your soul long for refreshment? Are you living the Life you were created for? A life where intimacy with Jesus leaves you rested – even while you are right in the middle of His Great Work happening in and through you? Take Him up on His offer.

Come to Him.

Take up His Yoke.

Learn from Him.

Find rest for your soul.

- Pastor Chuck