RESTING IN THE LORD Matthew 11: 28-30

Inspired by Rev. Dubuisson’s “SEASON OF REST” preaching series, I have been spending some time thinking about the meaning of REST for the believer. One thing that becomes clear is that looking at REST in the spiritual realm is quite different from looking at it in just the physical realm, even though that is usually where we start.

Browsing through the Bible, we first find REST in the book of Genesis, in chapter 2:2 when “God rested from all His work on the seventh day”. That is where we got the familiar command to rest on Sabbath day. It has evolved from Saturday to Sunday, but regardless whether we observe it on Saturday or Sunday, it is “a day of rest”. Through most of the books in the Bible, from Genesis until Revelation, the last book, the REST theme is found: in Numbers, Kings, Psalm, Proverbs, to name a few, and other Old and New Testament books, ending in the book of Revelation in Rev. 14:11 where we are reminded that “There is no REST day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name.” In fact, the word REST and its variations appear more than 90 times in the Bible. Though the main theme may be physical in nature, in many cases it is used in a spiritual sense. One recurring example is the use of REST as meaning peace, trust, hope, or patience like in Psalm 37: 7 where we read “Rest in the Lord (some versions say “Be still before the Lord); wait patiently for him to act. Don’t be envious of evil men who prosper.”  Or, in Psalm 62: 1 and 62:5 where we read: “My soul finds REST in God alone; my salvation comes from Him” and “Find REST, O my soul in God alone; my hope comes from Him.” It is in that spirit that I invite you to meditate with me on the theme of “Resting in the Lord.”

Point is: though prayer can release our tensions in times of emotional stress, trusting God to be our rock, rescuer, defense, and fortress changes our entire outlook on life. No longer are we held captive by hurtful treatment from friends and relatives.

In Matthew 11: 28-30 we read: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you REST. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find REST for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
A yoke is a heavy wooden harness that fits onto one or more oxen. It is attached to a piece of equipment the oxen are to pull. So, we have the picture of physical labor. When an ox wears a yoke, it means that the animal is ready for a long day of hard work. However, the “heavy yoke” Jesus mentioned here can mean many things: 1) the burden of sin, 2) the burden of the law (the excessive demands of the religious leaders), 3) government oppression, 4) Mental and emotional challenges, 5) Spiritual challenges and weariness in the search, and service, of God, to name a few. Jesus frees people from all these burdens. The REST He promises is peace with God, not the end of all physical effort. As we read in 1 John 5:3 “This is love for God to obey his commands. And His commands are not burdensome.” Christ’s servants can find REST and refreshment in fellowship with Him.

I am reminded of Paul’s vision and his thorn in 2 Cor. 12:9 “But He said to me ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’  Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may REST on me.”

Although God did not remove Paul’s physical affliction, He promised to demonstrate His power in Paul. The fact that God’s power shows up in weak people should give us courage. If we recognize our limitations, we will not congratulate ourselves. Instead, we will faithfully turn to God to seek pathways for effectiveness. We must rely on God – REST in God – for our effectiveness rather than our simple energy, effort, or talent. Our weakness not only helps develop Christian character, it also deepens our worship, for in admitting our weakness we affirm God’s strength.

Let us pray.  Loving God, we praise your Holy Name. We acknowledge that too often we fall short of your expectations, forgive us we pray. Guide and direct us O God. In these difficult times that we live, we depend on you, we depend on the REST that you and only you can give. Even as you inspire and empower us, may we learn never to lean on our own understanding, but in everything to acknowledge You and let You guide our path. May we find REST, be it physical, mental, emotional or spiritual, in You, Jehovah Shalom, the God of all peace. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen and Amen.

Written By Rev. Franck Aguilh