“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NLT)
Over and over in ministry, I have found that people often hold onto their burdens instead of releasing them to God in Christ. There was the man who was guilty of cheating on his wife who never did forgive himself, even when he asked forgiveness from God. There was the former soldier from Vietnam who lived with survivor’s guilt when all the other soldiers in his platoon were killed in an ambush. Again, a woman who was hit by a drunk driver continues to berate herself. Her son died in the accident. Though it was not her fault at all, she still feels guilty for driving the car that day. I am also reminded of the sweet teenage girl who fell apart while talking to me. She was drugged on a date, then raped. She blames herself for going on the date despite some reservations. To this day, she is afraid to be alone with any man. All these Christian men and women carry within heart and soul and mind a heavy burden. Each feels guilt, responsibility, self-loathing, or a lack of self-worth for their past misfortune. Each struggles with God’s forgiveness, shunning God’s grace.
Bruce Larson, an evangelist from New York, tried to bring others to Christ. In his book, Believe and Belong, he wrote the following:
“For many years I worked in New York City and counseled at my office any number of people who were wrestling with this yes-or-no decision. Often, I would suggest they walk with me from my office down to the RCA Building on Fifth Avenue. In the entrance of that building is a gigantic statue of Atlas, a beautifully-proportioned man who, with all his muscles straining, is holding the world upon his shoulders. There he is, the most powerfully-built man in the world, and he can barely stand up under this burden. ‘Now that’s one way to live,’ I would point out to my companion, ‘trying to carry the world on your shoulders. But now come across the street with me.’ “On the other side of Fifth Avenue is Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, and there behind the high altar is a little shrine of the boy Jesus, perhaps eight or nine years old, and with no effort he is holding the world in one hand. My point was illustrated graphically.
“We have a choice. We can carry the world on our shoulders, or we can say, ‘I give up, Lord; here’s my life. I give you my world, the whole world.’” (Richard A. Hasler, as quoted in 10,000 Sermon Illustrations)
In the scripture reading for today from Matthew 11:28, Jesus made the following promise: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” His promise carries with it the knowledge that there are some people who deal with weariness. They carry heavy burdens of pain, hurt, agony, worry, fear, resentment, and regrets. Some suffer from sorrow or grief. All feel that heaviness in the heart from inward pressures and struggles. To all these, Jesus gives hope. He promises that to all who will “come” to HIM, placing their burdens at HIS feet, Jesus will give needed rest.
Doesn’t it sound like a beautiful thing for the weary soul to find rest! Oh, what a joy it would be! And yet, often souls do not find that rest. Weary suffering people often do not find peace in their heart and soul. Why? Some do not COME TO JESUS. Some won’t lay their burdens at the feet of the Savior. Some refuse to be forgiven and accept the peace offered by God. If you look at it more closely, almost every person who is weary is suffering because of his or her own choices, because of a lack of faith, or because each refuses to lay those burdens at Jesus’ feet. Many look for answers to their suffering in alcohol or a drug. Too many seek solace in the words from a counselor, friend, doctor, or psychologist. Sadly, even Christians can fail to lay their burdens at the feet of Jesus. This is just sad.
Based on Jesus’ words, HE wants to ease your burdens. He wants to ease your pain and suffering. He desires you to come to HIM for forgiveness and grace and healing. BUT will you do it?
Today, have a “COME TO JESUS” moment. Cast your burden at HIS feet. Let go of your weariness. Accept the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7) when you place your life with all its hurt fully in Jesus’ hands.
Bruce Larson, an evangelist from New York, tried to bring others to Christ. In his book, Believe and Belong, he wrote the following:
“For many years I worked in New York City and counseled at my office any number of people who were wrestling with this yes-or-no decision. Often, I would suggest they walk with me from my office down to the RCA Building on Fifth Avenue. In the entrance of that building is a gigantic statue of Atlas, a beautifully-proportioned man who, with all his muscles straining, is holding the world upon his shoulders. There he is, the most powerfully-built man in the world, and he can barely stand up under this burden. ‘Now that’s one way to live,’ I would point out to my companion, ‘trying to carry the world on your shoulders. But now come across the street with me.’ “On the other side of Fifth Avenue is Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, and there behind the high altar is a little shrine of the boy Jesus, perhaps eight or nine years old, and with no effort he is holding the world in one hand. My point was illustrated graphically.
“We have a choice. We can carry the world on our shoulders, or we can say, ‘I give up, Lord; here’s my life. I give you my world, the whole world.’” (Richard A. Hasler, as quoted in 10,000 Sermon Illustrations)
In the scripture reading for today from Matthew 11:28, Jesus made the following promise: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” His promise carries with it the knowledge that there are some people who deal with weariness. They carry heavy burdens of pain, hurt, agony, worry, fear, resentment, and regrets. Some suffer from sorrow or grief. All feel that heaviness in the heart from inward pressures and struggles. To all these, Jesus gives hope. He promises that to all who will “come” to HIM, placing their burdens at HIS feet, Jesus will give needed rest.
Doesn’t it sound like a beautiful thing for the weary soul to find rest! Oh, what a joy it would be! And yet, often souls do not find that rest. Weary suffering people often do not find peace in their heart and soul. Why? Some do not COME TO JESUS. Some won’t lay their burdens at the feet of the Savior. Some refuse to be forgiven and accept the peace offered by God. If you look at it more closely, almost every person who is weary is suffering because of his or her own choices, because of a lack of faith, or because each refuses to lay those burdens at Jesus’ feet. Many look for answers to their suffering in alcohol or a drug. Too many seek solace in the words from a counselor, friend, doctor, or psychologist. Sadly, even Christians can fail to lay their burdens at the feet of Jesus. This is just sad.
Based on Jesus’ words, HE wants to ease your burdens. He wants to ease your pain and suffering. He desires you to come to HIM for forgiveness and grace and healing. BUT will you do it?
Today, have a “COME TO JESUS” moment. Cast your burden at HIS feet. Let go of your weariness. Accept the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7) when you place your life with all its hurt fully in Jesus’ hands.