READING:
One-year plan: Genesis 33-35, Matthew 11:25-12:21
Two-year plan: Genesis 20:1-21:21, Matthew 6:25-7:6
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I’m thinking about weary people today. For example, the toil of daily work, especially for ministers of the gospel who rightly bear the care of those they lead, can be tough. Rest seems illusive some days. Others bear ongoing financial, health, or relational burdens that consume their souls, and worry and impatience become overwhelming. As a pastor, I’ve seen people carrying immense burdens some days.
Still others, particularly non-believers around the world, are trying to live out works-based, legalistic religions that only hold people in darkness. Their seeming “faith” only increases their bondage. Indeed, I’m thinking right now about particular people I’ve met who don’t even recognize how foolishly they are laboring in a faith that cannot save them.
What – or who – is the answer for weary and burdened people? It’s Jesus, of course. In Him, we can work hard and still find joy. In Him we can be exhausted and find refreshment at the same time. We can be yoked to Him and still find rest for our souls. He renews us, refreshes us, revitalizes us, and restores us. What we must do is come to Him—not bear our burdens alone.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you truly leaning on Christ today?
PRAYER: “God, give me rest for my soul.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Genesis 36-38, Matthew 12:22-50
Two-year plan: Genesis 21:22-22:24, Matthew 7:7-23
