Weary

An invitation from Jesus:

 “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.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

Jesus always had a special concern for those who were weary with the strains and stresses of life. They were the people who really wanted to hear what Jesus had to say and how He could meet their needs.

The attitude of the religious leaders were quite different. As well as being self-righteous, they considered themselves self-sufficient. Their pride would not allow them to accept they had a need of anything or anyone. Certainly they would never admit that there was anything they could learn or gain from spending time with Jesus.

So, this invitation was for the ordinary people of the day. It was for those who recognized that life did get tough a times and who were willing to admit to being weary and burdened.

Jesus’ invitation has not expired; it remains open today. Are you weary with family or work responsibilities – or both? If so, is there anything to prevent you from asking Jesus to give you rest as He has promised?

Prayer: Dear father God, I am not too proud to admit to being weary. Every morning I realise that I will never manage to do everything that people expect of me. Please hlp me not to take on more than I need to. And please help me to find rest for my soul with you.

Devotional by: John Phillips