Matt 11:28 NKJV

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

I’ve read, memorized and studied this verse for many years since accepting Jesus.  Just like Jesus, every time I look at it this verse the Lord shows me something new.  Jesus had just done miraculous acts in the cities Chorazin and Bethsaida then rebuked them because they did not change their mind (repent).  He openly thanked His Father for hiding His truths from the wise and sharing with His babes.  This text I believe is one of those.

Jesus says come to me and I will give you rest…… Our loving Savior invites us to Himself.  It reminds me of the times when I just open my arms wide to my kids and they just come and dive into my chest for a big hug.  It is those moments that help me show them how much I care about them and reminds them of how safe, warm and loved they feel in Daddy’s arms.  It is a special time and I believe that this what Jesus is inviting us to do.  Then He goes even further by offering to give us rest, His rest.  He’s saying to us….You’re tired and burdened but when you come to Me I will give you the ultimate fix for your weariness and pain. 

Rest, what a great word and gift Jesus offers us.  The Greek word “Anapauo” literally means to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labour in order to recover and collect his strength.  I know that you can connect with this word, have you ever worked, tried, strived, toiled, slogged and given everything that you could possibly give; only to have to keep going on to the next task, problem or chore.  You need to cease from any movement, to recover and collect your strength, and this is exactly what Jesus has given us.  Just know that we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses (Heb 4:15).  Jesus knows exactly how that feels, in Luke He told His disciples “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.”  The Greek for “lay” is Klino which is the same word used when Jesus finished His marvelous work on the Cross. “He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit (John 19:30).”  He worked, worked and worked but had no place to lay His head; no place to rest.  He did however rest once His work was finished.  We can rest and have a place to lay our heads because Jesus finished all of the work that needed to be done.  All of the requirements and payment for sin was paid on the Cross and there is nothing left for us to do….it has already been done!!!!

Our job now…..Rest in Jesus’ loving, warm and protective arms; after all He did all of the work for you!!

God Bless You