Monday, March 7, 2011
Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
THE BURDEN MADE LIGHT
Jesus told His disciples, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). These sufferings are all the result of sin in the perfect world God made. But we are not without hope. Knowing that we will face such difficulties, Jesus invites us to come to Him for much needed rest. Do you have a heavy burden that you cannot bear on your own? Are your troubles weighing you down? Jesus tells you to bring your burden to Him, and He will give you rest. He will give you rest from whatever your burden might be! His offer is always there, anytime, day or night.
"Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world!" Through His death, Jesus overcame the world and defeated sin and Satan, and offers us His rest, freely and without charge. "Come to Me -- I will give you rest!"
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In ev'ry change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
Thro' thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 651:1)
