December 19

When Jesus spoke the words in Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me, all you who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” the world was a much simpler place. It was an agrarian society and, baring the unforeseen hardship of a bad crop, things were pretty simple on a day-to-day basis.

Even the ordeal of living in an occupied country where foreign troops could be seen on every street, though somewhat troubling, had no direct impact on the daily lives of the people who dwelt in Judah during Jesus’ day. Yet, Jesus recognized that many of the citizenry were heavy laden.

He sees that in us, too. He knows the pressure of trying to make a living in a difficult economy. He knows the stress of being unemployed and without health care. He knows the frustration of working diligently to provide for a family and having to deal with high taxation that renders ones labor to none avail.

He knows the anxiety that comes regarding issues of health and of fractured relationships and the incalculable stress of living in a world at war with itself on so many fronts. Yet, His invitation, His promise to all is that when we cannot endure any longer, we may lay our burdens upon Him and receive His rest.