Rest Area
Scripture Reading — Matthew 11:25-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
—Matthew 11:28
One of the nicknames for New York City is “the city that never sleeps.” Some other cities have claimed that title too—and of course many big cities around the world can be described that way.
In many countries today, cell phones and Blackberries are considered essential. These devices are always on as we complain about how tired we are. Our laptop computers and tablets are now electronic friends we can’t live without. Sometimes it’s hard to admit that you are bone weary. Is there a place to go without always having to be productive or “plugged in”? Can we ever get away from the busyness?
If you feel that way, a quiet voice has been calling to you. It’s the voice of Jesus, who knows you are tired and need a break from the world.
Jesus invites us all to come to him and find the rest our souls long for. If we accept his invitation, we make a startling decision: life isn’t about becoming more connected or networked; it’s about being known by our only Savior. Matthew 11:28 in The Message puts it this way: “Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.”
Do you want real rest? It comes with realizing you are totally dependent on Jesus as your Master and Lord. Do you need a rest area for your tired soul? The Master has been calling you to come to him. He will be your rest anytime, always.
Dear Jesus, I admit I’m tired and weary. I come to you as my true resting place. Amen.
About the author — Reginald Smith
Dr. Reginald Smith is senior pastor at Roosevelt Park Community Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he has served for seventeen years. He has also served as a pastor in Paterson, New Jersey. He and his wife, Sharon, have three daughters, Janelle, Katrina, and Mariah.
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