“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

— Matthew 11:28

Today is Sunday, so let’s pause our focus on mission themes and take some time out for worship and rest. This is important, because missions can easily focus on all the things we are called to do. And, at times, talking about God’s mission can leave us feeling guilty about things we are not doing. So today we remember that we do not carry the world on our shoulders. We take a day to worship, meditate on Scripture, play, and rest.

This past week we have been thinking about the gospel as good news. In our passage today we hear the most beautiful good news from Jesus: “Come to me and rest.” Notice that he is talking not only about physical rest but also about rest for our souls. Jesus promises eternal rest for us all.

The other day I was reading some bedtime stories to my grandsons—and as we did that together, I could feel them relax into my arms. Secure in a trusted relationship, they were able to let go and fall into a state of peaceful rest.

Jesus invites us to see himself that way. Secure in Jesus, we can release our cares, our burdens, and our problems to him. On this day of rest, may you be reminded and find that the Lord holds you and the whole world in his hands.

Dear Jesus, I surrender all the places in my life where I feel tired and worn out. May I find true and eternal rest in you today on this day of Sabbath. Amen.