“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28)
This is a ‘life text’ that many of us will be familiar with. Is there anyone reading this who has never been weary and burdened?! Life often leaves people exhausted, not only physically but emotionally and spiritually. Many carry unseen burdens. Jesus’ words speak directly into our weariness with great tenderness.
The words are an invitation
Jesus’ words are an invitation into a very special relationship. Facebook users will be quite familiar with ‘Friend Requests’. These words are the ultimate ‘Friend Request’. Jesus does not say, ‘Come to a religion,’ ‘Come to a new set of rules,’ or ‘Come to a system.’ He says, ‘Come to Me’.
The words are inclusive
The words are addressed to “all you who are weary and burdened”. At some point every one of us will fit these categories. Some burdens are external: family concerns, financial pressures, illness, caring responsibilities. Some are internal: guilt, regret, fear. None are excluded in these words of Jesus.
The words are inexhaustible
Jesus simply says, “I will give you rest.” There’s no ‘Use by’ on these words; there’s no ‘Best Before’ attached to them; there’s no ‘Limited to one per customer’; there’s no notice saying ‘Maximum stay 3 hours. No return within one hour.’; there are no exemptions and exclusions; there’s no means-testing; there’s no ‘Members Only’; there’s no ‘Withdrawal Limit.’ We can claim these words as often and as much as we need.
Thanks be to God!