You’re reading Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Imagine that Jesus is standing in front of you, looking right into your eyes. His arms are ready to embrace you. He sees how tired and emotionally spent you are, and His calming gentleness beckons you to relax.
“Take My yoke upon you,” He says. “Learn of Me…” so you picture a yoke with your head and shoulders under it. Jesus lifts the heaviest part of the weight off, and carries the load Himself. What a relief you feel… so free and liberating. How grateful you are! You express your thankfulness to Him.
Then you pause to study Him carefully. “Learn of Me,” He said, “for I am gentle and humble in heart.” So you take a long moment to consider His gentleness and kindness. He exudes graciousness and love, and yet, He’s so humble. King of the Universe, and yet the most humble Person on earth. You wonder how He can exhibit both characteristics at once and you wish you could be more like that yourself. You think of an instance where you could work on that very thing— starting right away. Hmmm….
And finally, Jesus says, “You will find rest for your soul, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” What reassurance and promise of blessing that is—it’s just what you needed to hear!
“Thank you, Jesus,” you say to Him. You tell Him you love Him, and picture many times in the future when you’ll be resting with Him close by. You’ll both be tired, but your conversation will be enlightening and soothing.
Then you think about some of the key words you just read: come, weary and burdened, rest, yoke, gentle and humble in heart, burden, light. While your prayerful imagining is still fresh, you bow your head and pray.
This is one way the Holy Spirit, who brings Jesus Christ alive for us, works through the Word of God. What a treasure our precious Bible is! Let’s take the time to slow down and contemplate what is on its pages.
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