My wife, Lynda, and I just returned from a two-week vacation; a time designated for rest and relaxation. Though we had a great time and saw many things, we came home tired and needed a vacation from our vacation. The reason: we drove 1,800 miles; fighting the wind most of the way. Through the years I have heard many people say, “I came home from vacation more tired than before I went.”
As Americans, I suppose that we do try and cram so much into a few days’ time. We want to see and experience all that we can because for most of us, vacation comes just once each year. However, it would be more beneficial for us if we slowed down a bit, traveled fewer miles, and just relaxed and took rest from the toil and pressures of everyday life.
My wife and I decided that we would no longer take lengthy trips across the country, but instead we would camp in the forest near Williams or Flagstaff. Lazy days filled with naps, reading and fishing are what we need to truly rest.
Jesus encouraged His followers to rest, saying “Come to Me all you that labor, and are heavy laden; and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28. The people knew that He was speaking of ‘spiritual labor’ which greatly burdened the people as they were expected to live under more than 500 man-made laws. Some of the laws were impossible to remember, much less to abide by them. The laws were a great strain upon the people.
Many today are still trying to live according to the Mosaic and Levitical Law; yet no man can! Jesus reminded His followers that if a man fails in one point of the Law, he fails in all. No man can measure up to the righteousness of God.
Rather than being bound by rules, regulations and traditions, Jesus offers freedom and liberty by coming to Him. He said, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your soul” Matthew 11:29.
The picture of the yoke is one of bondage and a heavy burden. If the oxen were unequally yoked, the result would be that one beast was a burden to the other. Jesus said that we are to be yoked together with Him as the One who is stronger. He will bear the brunt of the load we carry, and we will find rest from the load we are called to bear. By bearing His burden we can find spiritual rest for our soul.
Do you ever feel as though you need a rest from the burden of everyday life? Well, find it in the Person of Jesus Christ. He offers true peace and rest that we cannot find anywhere else.
-Jerry L. Dunn, Oak Street Baptist Church
