In Matthew 11 we find Jesus invitation to rest.
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30.
Card offers a very interesting insight in his commentary about what surrounded these oft-quoted verses. Jesus had just been questioned about his identity by John the Baptist who was in prison. Even John, the one who knew he was the Messiah before others, who first proclaimed him as such, was doubting him. The cities of Galilee where he was currently doing his preaching were not responding. This must have made him very weary - weary with his work.
But in the middle of his frustration he decides to praise God. He looked to his Father for his identity and we get included. We see this in verses 25-27: At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
Now Jesus call us unto him, those who are weary and burdened like he was and he promises rest. This invitation to rest calls me to exchange my yoke of worry about school and life for Jesus' yoke where we find rest for our souls.
I pray that this coming year I will more often seek to exchange my yoke of worry for Jesus' yoke of rest. I hope the pictures I chose for this post will remind you of quiet places and simple times and bring you rest for your souls.