I recently read an encouraging scripture that is completely familiar to me, but somehow in the present I seemed to dial in on one compelling word that I’ve obviously overlooked in the past. Honestly I’m grateful for the recognition this time around, as I’ve found it to be incredibly significant in my comprehension of the full weight of this verse. And if you haven’t already guessed, the word I am referring to is “weary.”

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, 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)

I realize now that in the previous times I’ve studied this scripture, I’ve viewed it as an equation in a sense. By this I am referring to a promised rest for those who accept Jesus’ gracious offer to come, yoke and learn from Him. And while I still believe this to be true, I also perceive that this association merely scratches the surface of a much deeper message included in these words.

To begin, I think it’s critical to consider that Jesus’ invitation to come is extended to the weary which is not to be confused with those who are simply tired. Tiredness is usually addressed with a solid night’s sleep. Weariness on the other hand is next level exhaustion, affecting not only our physical, but additionally our emotional and spiritual well being.

As I considered this, I’ve drawn a couple of personal conclusions regarding the condition of weariness.

  1. Weariness does not manifest overnight, but rather over time.
  2. Weariness requires much more than a nap, sabbatical, or even an extended vacation.
  3. Prolonged periods of weariness, if not addressed, can be extremely detrimental causing hopelessness, burnout, and long-term depression.
  4. It’s a serious condition and one that mandates immediate attention.

And Jesus, our compassionate Savior, understands our limitations. He knows we are frail and finite, sympathizes with our weaknesses, and graciously beckons us to come.

The Invitation

Come to me, all… who are weary and carry heavy burdens….

Accepting this proposition is the first and most critical step in receiving rest. It begins with an admittance of our worn-out status, a recognition that we are weighed down, and an acknowledgement that Jesus can and will help us, if we will come.

The Method

Take my yoke upon you…

This next step requires a posture of surrender, humility and a willingness to yield. To be clear, Jesus did not say, “I’ll take your burdens and carry them without you.” Rather He said, “Yoke with me, relinquish control, and trust me to direct and guide.” In essence, yoking is working together with God rather than on our own without Him.

The Teacher

Learn from me…

This is yet another critical component in our pursuit of rest. The call to learn from Jesus involves watching, studying, and observing His regular rhythms, consistent habits, daily routine and Spirit-led responses. Life on earth for the Son of God was not easy, far from it. Yet, at the same time, we never read of Jesus being stressed, anxious, burned out, depressed or hopeless. Rather, as we observe Jesus in the gospels, we witness Him spending quality time alone with His Father, consistently praying, routinely resting, and intentionally investing in people through teaching, leading, guiding, comforting, weeping, forgiving, correcting, protecting, and serving. He lived on mission 24/7, empowered by the Spirit to do the will of His Father and His life was marked by true Shalom.

The Result

…you will find rest for your souls.

And finally, the ultimate and most significant reward that results in coming to, yoking with and learning from Jesus is receiving true Shalom rest (see note 1), impacting body, soul and spirit.

In closing, I think we would all agree that life can be difficult. Christ followers are not exempt from trials or challenges. While it is absolutely true that following Jesus is the best and most blessed life, at the same time, it’s certainly not the easy life, nor is it the problem-free life, and Jesus never promised that it would be. The choice to go it alone and work independently from Christ is one we all can make. However, the far better choice, the one resulting in peace and rest, begins with a recognition of our great need, leading us from independence to God-dependence. And this is followed by a grateful acceptance of Jesus’ invitation.

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬-‭30 (‬MSG)‬‬

Note 1: True biblical shalom means an inward sense of completeness or wholeness.

https://firmisrael.org/learn/the-meaning-of-shalom/

Reflection Question

Read and receive Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28-30 as a personal invitation. Which part of this scripture provides you with peace and which part do you find to be personally challenging? Record your thoughts and your reasons as to how and why.

Go Deeper

Research the scriptures listed below. Which of these verses speak to your spirit? In what practical and positive ways do these inspired words provide peace, encouragement and hope for you in regards to weariness?

  • ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭30‬-‭31‬
  • ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬
  • ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ‭
  • ‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬ ‭
  • Jeremiah 31:25

Be Inspired Through Worship

Weary Traveler

https://youtu.be/yTi78z5l56k

#weary #rest #soul #yoke #gracenotesforyou