Thursday 24 July, 2014

25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father. You are Lord of heaven and earth. You have hidden these things from the wise and educated. But you have shown them to little children. 26 Yes, Father. This is what you wanted. 27 “My Father has given all things to me. The Father is the only one who knows the Son. And the only ones who know the Father are the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to make him known. 28 “Come to me, all of you who are tired and are carrying heavy loads. I will give you rest. 29 Become my servants and learn from me. I am gentle and free of pride. You will find rest for your souls.

What a beautiful invitation Jesus gives us. If you are weary, if you are carrying heavy burdens, if you aren’t at your best, don’t run from me thinking you aren’t good enough. No! Come to me. Come with the bags under your eyes, come with your stooped back, come with your empty tank and let me restore you.

He knows what it is to be weary, He knows what it is to carry heavy burdens, and He longs to give us rest. Will we take up His invitation and enjoy His rest? Or will we struggle on in willful independence, missing out on the gift of rest He so desires to give us?

God, please help me to put aside my willful independence and come to you. Help me recognise and respond to your invitation when I find myself weary and burdened. Thank you Jesus that you care about my rest. Amen.

Written by Beth Waugh