Rest For The RestlessSample

COME TO JESUS 

We live in a stress-filled world. There is stress at home, school, college, the workplace, and almost everywhere.

Recently, I was reading an article in Economic Times (September 12, 2016) which reveals that according to a survey, 46% of the Indian workforce suffer from some form of stress. I suppose this is true of people in other parts of the world as well. In order to deal with stress, people turn to alcohol, shopping, movies, TV, internet, extramarital affairs, drugs, etc. But these things can never help us deal with stress. Then, what is the lasting solution for freedom from stress? Jesus. Yes, in Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites all who labor and are heavy laden to find rest in him. 

Jesus does not say, “Go somewhere else in order to find rest.” He says “Come to me.” Jesus offers himself as the solution to our burdens. This is truly an authoritative invitation. Why do I say that? Because offering rest to someone is a divine prerogative (Isaiah 40:28-31). Only God can give us rest. But here, Jesus offers this rest. So, this is not the invitation of an ordinary teacher or a prophet. Jesus, who is God in the flesh gives us this authoritative invitation. In fact, you cannot experience this rest without coming to Jesus. 

Now coming to Jesus implies that we trust him (cf. John 6:35, where coming to Jesus and believing in him is used as a parallel). The object of our faith is not a church, a pastor, a creed, or anything else. Our object of faith is Christ himself. We can experience rest only when we trust in Jesus.

No person on earth can give such an invitation. Even your own parents, spouse, children, or your closest friend cannot offer such an invitation. Jesus alone can give us this invitation because he alone can truly give us rest. Jesus alone is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). He is our salvation. He is our hope. He is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25). He is the greatest treasure! He alone is the solution to every problem. That’s why Jesus asks us to come to Him. Come to Jesus today!