Weekend Words

From Be Still and Know...

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:25 

There is a great spirit of restlessness in the world today.  People are like the restless sea, seeking peace, but finding instead turmoil and tension, fear and frustration.  The world is in a state of unrest because individuals are in a state of unrest.  Inner strain and pressure build up as a result of a constant round of frenzied activity.

While Jesus was here on earth He was aware that many people were burdened with the cares of life.  "And what pity He felt for the crowds that came, because their problems were so great and they didn't know what to do or where to go for help.  They were like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:36 LB).  He could also look down the corridor of time and see that, even today, people would be carrying heavy burdens; burdens of fear, loneliness, bitterness, inadequacy, sorrow, guilt and sin.

From a heart filled with love and concern for people, He gave a simple invitation, "Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy-laden, and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest - I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls" (Matthew 11:28 Amplified).  Bible scholars tell us the word "come" appears in the Bible more than six hundred times.  This invitation was not just for the people of that day.  It was not just for a select few, but it included all people through all ages.

We do not find rest in the act of coming, but in the One to whom we come.  He will release the tension and strain and GIVE us rest.  Rest comes as we give our burdens to our Rest-giver.  Yet many have not appropriated His provision for heart rest.

Today the world is full of heavy-laden people.  They may have a smile on their faces, but hidden behind the smile is a burden almost too heavy to bear.  You may be one of these people.  He is saying to you, "Come to me.  I want YOU."  Your part is to come; His is to give you rest.  He never turns anyone away.

Come Near to God - Charles H. Spurgeon

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." - James 4:8

The nearer we come to God, the more graciously will He reveal Himself to us.  When the prodigal returns, his father runs to meet him.  When the wandering dove comes back, Noah puts out his hand to pull her into him.  Come then, let us draw near to God who so graciously awaits us, who comes to meet us.

In Isaiah 58:9 the Lord seems to put Himself at the disposal of His people, saying to them, "Here I am," as much as to say, "What can I do for you?  I am waiting to bless you."  How can we hesitate to draw near?  God is near, to forgive, to bless, to comfort, to help.

Let us aim to get near to God.  This done, all is done.  If we seek the Lord alone, He will continue to come nearer and yet nearer to us by fuller and more joyful fellowship.