DAILY HOPE DEVOTIONALS: MARCH 25 THE LOVELY INVITATIONS OF JESUS (3c) SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 11: 30
Over five weeks now we have been treating Jesus’ Lovely Invitations to people of His days as well as our people of the present age. In all the three, Jesus told everyone what they could gain after harkening to the calls. In this “Come all ye that labour, and are heavy laden…” Jesus promised the people of receiving ‘rest’ from Him. Biblically, the word “rest” stands for peace, ease or refreshment. By implication, Jesus is saying that those who labour and heavily laden with bondage should come to Him to receive peace, to be eased of their burdens and be given refreshment in life. This is a pleasant promise! The whole world, as has been repeatedly pointed out, is full of restlessness and disappointment, even with weary and emptiness. The merchants, bankers, tradesmen, soldiers, lawyers, farmers etc., all look forward for a rest like this.
Jesus’ teaching, preaching, ways He relates with people and passionate concern for the less privileged typified one whose burden is easy and light. He eased off troubles and sorrows for so many people. He refreshed hope of the hopeless. He gave peace of minds to those with anxieties. Jesus offered rest to criminals and desperate wicked people who go about restlessly with fear and consciousness of possible arrest after they meet Him and repented. Those with chains of traditional laws or the badges of laws from cultic world gain freedom on finding Jesus. Instead of going about with fear and timidity, they receive boldness and sound mind (2 Timothy 1: 7). Those with burden of laws of ‘caste class’ become free to related with every one with ease and joy. They realized the truth in Apostle Paul’s word that there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles in Christ (Gal. 3: 28 – 29).
Fellow brethren, Jesus gives peace, ease of living and refreshment of knowledge which can be termed as “renewed mind” to everyone who comes to Him. He gives freely without selling it. He gives to everyone forever and ever. Anything Jesus gives is paid for with His flesh and blood. Those reading this piece who have not harken to this invitation of “Come unto me all ye that labour and heavy laden, and I will give you rest…”; are advised to go to Him today. He will free you from all worldly entanglement of bondage. He will refresh your brainwashed ideology with word of genuine and peaceful life. He does not promise and fail like the worldly people.
PRAYER:
FATHER LORD, when Prophet Isaiah heard your call and met you, you cleansed him of all his sins and sorrows. I have heard the invitation of your Son Jesus, I have come. Lighten up my heavy burdens and grant me resounding peace of heart and mind in Jesus name.
bishopubaudenyi@hopealivechurch
