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16 “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: 17 “ ‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” 25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. 27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 NIV Bible)
Throughout history, can we identify a generation that has not been childish in some form or fashion? Jesus is saying that His generation is childish in how they view things and how they do things. They're acting out in ways learned by other children in which they mock others, especially those different from them. And this led them to call John the Baptist, a prophet of their age, a demon-possessed man; and they called Him a glutton and a drunkard. Pretty childish, right? Yet, they failed to see that Jesus came to share wisdom and they passed on it and didn't accept it. Still, Jesus prays a prayer of thanksgiving to God, because God did share it with the innocent and needy, and kept it away from the wise and learned of the day; knowing this pleased God.
And to those who are hearing and reading these words, Jesus offers an invitation, "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."
The rest Jesus promises is not merely physical rest but a deep, spiritual rest—a rest for our souls. He invites us to take His yoke upon us and learn from Him. Unlike the burdens and expectations of the world, Jesus' yoke is easy, and His burden is light. In surrendering ourselves to Him, we find freedom from striving, striving, and trying to earn our worth. He offers us the peace and contentment we desperately seek.
Here are a few practical ways to find rest in Jesus:
Surrender your life to Jesus. If you don't yet know Him, come to Him now.
Spend time in prayer and meditation. This is a time to quiet our hearts and to listen to Jesus.
Read the Bible. The Bible is full of Jesus' words and teachings. Reading the Bible can help us to learn more about him and to find comfort in his promises.
Worship with other believers. When we worship together, we are reminded of God's love and grace. We can also find strength and encouragement from other believers who are also seeking rest in Jesus
Today, let us respond to Jesus' invitation to find rest in Him. In a world that often leaves us weary and burdened, He offers solace for our souls. Let us release our striving, surrender our worries, and trust in His wisdom and grace. May we approach Him with childlike faith, ready to learn and be transformed by His gentle and humble heart. May we not be critical or judging of others; let us be truly innocent in our love for others, as we embrace His yoke, for that will let us remember that His burden is light, and in Him, we find true rest.
PRAYER:: Heavenly Father, We come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging that it is in Your presence that we find rest. Today, we release the burdens we carry—the weight of our worries, our striving, and our endless pursuits. We confess that we have often sought fulfillment in the things of this world, only to be left weary and unsatisfied.As we take Your yoke upon us, may we learn from You and walk in step with Your teachings. Help us to embrace Your gentleness and humility, reflecting Your love and grace to those around us. Strengthen us in our journey, reminding us that Your burden is light and Your presence is our source of strength.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Win others to the kingdom by your childlike love for all people.
Receive my blessings of joy and peace,
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
