Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
The invitation to “come” can either be positive or negative, can’t it? An invite to come for coffee by a dear friend evokes a completely different response than an invitation to the boss’s office when you know you have made a mistake. Jesus and his disciples had been traveling to different cities, preaching and watching miracles take place. But then he began to speak against those same cities. 20 Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent ( Matthew 11:20 ESV), ending with but I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.” Matthew 11:24 ESV. I wonder if the disciples found it difficult to hear these words? They most likely participated in the miracles Jesus was talking about. Even though he understands the hearts of the men he came to save, I wonder if he also felt disappointed in their response. They could have “come” to him as Savior, not just as someone who lifted a burden, performed a miracle–healed them. It seemed as if their coming was simply to get, not to give back to him. So what was Jesus’ next response?
He prayed! The Message Bible puts it this way: Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer: “Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You’ve concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that’s the way you like to work. Matthew 11:15-26. What a great example for us! When we are disappointed or struggling to turn to our Father; let us remind ourselves that he is the Lord of heaven and earth. He reigns over everything that happens. I have been reading through the book of Jeremiah for a few weeks. Jeremiah was called to live during a very difficult period in Israel’s history. Both Judah and Israel had turned their backs on godly ways. Yet Jeremiah was faithful to his prophets call through it all, he kept his heart right. Not easy!
The Message Bible continues: Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly. “The Father has given me all these things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of the Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does. But I’m not going to keep it to myself; I’m ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen. Matthew 11:27. What a promise! He is willing to share the relationship he and the Father have with us! What a gift. He turned his eyes away from those who weren’t receiving to those who want to.
Then comes our wonderful 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 real rest. Walk with me and work with me–watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. Come to me. What a blessing to know we can come to him–no matter what our circumstances. It takes time to learn about rest, walking and working with him–especially to learn the unforced rhythms of life. But my friends, if we are to walk through the hard places of life–we need to learn these lessons.
Then the last of his promise for us in this section: 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 11:30 Is life feeling a bit ill-fitting on you today? If so, go back and wait with him to show you where and how you need to make adjustments. It may surprise you about what he shows you!
At the end of our lives or at the end of the age, we will all be invited to come to the him…and as believers that will be an amazing experience. He may have some tears to wipe away for us, but he will receive us with his joy. When we heed his command to “come” now, it will only be a sweeter meeting with him.
Father, it is such a privilege to be able to come to you. Your promises in this passage are so amazing. Please help your children take advantage of them. Adjust our rhythms according to your plans, not ours. Teach us how to learn your unforced rhythm of grace, we desperately need it. In Jesus’ name, amen.
