Matters of Faith: Rest for Your Soul

By Rev. J. Loren Russell

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30 KJV

As we approach the celebration of Thanksgiving, I was drawn to this chapter in the gospel of Matthew. It takes an has interesting direction and offers an unusual way to give thanks. The chapter begins with Jesus leaving his disciples and heading for several cities where He would preach and teach. It is in one of those unidentified cities that Jesus encounters disciples who were followers of John the Baptizer. John had to send his disciples because he was incarcerated, soon to be executed. They were sent to ask Jesus if He was the Messiah or if they should look for another? Jesus replies to their question by sharing the many miracles He performed and the preached word that converted all who had not rejected him.

As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus spoke to the crowd about John, a prophet in his own right who was sent by God to announce the coming and the arrival of the Messiah. He explains the vital role that John played in God’s plans, then said that anyone who is the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John. That was not a “dis” of John but shows the respect the Lord has and the power He has given everyone who is a part of the kingdom. We are all soldiers in the army of the Lord!

I’m sure this reassured John’s disciples and the crowd. He then shifts His focuses to the people who live in the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. These are the people who are not a part of the kingdom and were blatant in their disregard for the miracles Jesus performed in their cities. Jesus says that the wicked city of Sodom will be treated better than they will on judgement day. He was so disappointed that He had to talk to His Father. The rebellious heart disappoints the Lord. They see but can’t recognize the miraculous. They missed their blessings.   

What I want you to note is that Jesus promises rest for every weary soul, even those from Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. John was on death row, and Jesus gave him rest for his weary soul. John’s disciples knew they were going to lose their righteous leader, and Jesus gave them rest for their weary souls. The people living in the cities who were not receptive of the miracles that Jesus performed were offered rest for their souls, but they rejected it.

Whatever you’re going through in life, be it good or bad, whatever the task you’re engaged, Jesus offers rest for your weary soul. When you’re weary and carrying a heavy load, He exchanges the yoke of your burdens for His and gives you sweet rest. That rest is only available to those who receive His message, honor His sacrifice and welcome His love; to those who learn of Him. His yoke is easy and His burdens are light. Listen again as He calls us;

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

With that kind of assurance, there is every reason to give thanks!

Be Blessed!

Rev. J. Loren Russell, associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting, host of “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Soul 1 Radio, Monday’s 8:00 – 10:00 PM (626-226-1448), author of Matters of Faith: The Book.

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