“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

Going to dinner at the pastor’s house was like stepping into a different universe. Up to this point my experience with holidays was that they were uncomfortable family events that usually ended in drunken arguments and sometimes worse.

When my sister and I were invited for a holiday dinner at the pastor’s house, I felt special. It was my first experience of being on the guest list. The food was delicious. Everyone seemed so happy and there was a calm cadence to everything. After dinner we played board games, which was another new experience.

This very memorable moment has stayed with me all my life. This invitation gave me a glimpse of a life I knew little of, and hope for the future. Isn’t that a snapshot of the gospel? The good news Christ offers is an invitation to experience a new reality. The record of Scripture is one of God inviting humanity to come to Him, releasing the old way of self-reliance and embracing a new life of dependence on God.

We are on His guest list! His invitation has come in many forms. Hebrews 1:1-2a says, “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.”

God wanted His invitation to be so unmistakable that He delivered it in the flesh. He sent His son — the Word became flesh — to deliver the invitation in person. It was not just an invitation to enjoy a meal and a moment, but an invitation to an unending new reality with Him. The God of the universe has invited you to be with Him. Do you feel special?

God thank you for your invitation. I accept! You created me to walk through life with you. I am weary; I need you to give me what I cannot find anywhere else, rest for my soul. I want to learn from you. Thank you for being gentle in your guidance. What a privilege to be invited! Amen.

TAKE ACTION

Are you living in the new reality Christ offers? Maybe you have not RSVP'd. Or maybe you have responded to God’s invitation but have been drawn away by another. Return to the union with Christ that brings true rest for your weary, burdened soul.



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