True Rest
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 55:1-7
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28
Around the world today, because it is Sunday, people will gather to worship the risen Lord. Some will meet in churches; some in homes; still others in the open or in a secret hiding place. I hope you will join. It makes no difference where you are or what your background is, the Lord calls us all to come and find rest and peace in him. Through Isaiah the prophet, God calls, "Come, all you who are thirsty ... and you who have no money ... hear me, that your soul may live."
The greatest good cannot be bought. All the wealth in the world cannot purchase the supreme blessing of forgiveness, renewed life, and the promise of heaven. But here in God's Word there is good news for each of us. Salvation can be ours; the Lord offers it "without money and without cost" to us.
God has made a priceless promise to us on the basis of his unfailing love revealed in the cross of Jesus, his Son. If we seek him, we will find him; if we turn to him, he will be merciful to us and will freely pardon us. That's what Isaiah is talking about.
Have you trusted Jesus as your Savior? Listen to him and "eat what is good." Stretch out your empty hands to the Lord in faith and let him fill your life with his mercy and his riches: life abundant and life eternal through Christ Jesus. Do you hear him calling you? "Come."
Thank you, Lord, for creating a day of rest and for calling us to rest in you. We pray for people who are unable to rest today. May we all find our rest in Jesus Christ. Amen.
About the author — John Van Schepen
Dr. John Van Schepen is a retired pastor who served churches in Washington, Wisconsin, Indiana, Oregon and California. He and his wife, Willie, have been blessed with five children and several grandchildren.
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