Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Jesus extends to all humanity an invitation that leads to salvation and an eternal relationship with Him. In Matthew 11:28, He announces, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” What does Jesus mean when He invites you, “Come to Me”? How do you come to Jesus?
Perhaps this invitation is one of the solemn, encouraging, and inspiring promises of the Bible. It calms the nerves and gives rest. If you are estranged from the Lord Jesus, He extends to you an invitation for fellowship. If you are already walking with Him and experiencing His Grace yet life has become an unbearable burden to you, Jesus brings you hope, that He will take care of your situation. That the invitation comes from no other person but the Creator and Savior Jesus Christ (John 1:1-3; Matthew 1:21) makes it more endearing, convincing, and dependable.
Christ invites you to come to Him because you carry the burden of sin, unrighteousness, wickedness, lostness, and condemnation. To you, this invitation: “Come to Me,” is timely and apt for your deliverance. Jesus is also concerned about those who are facing trials, persecution, deprivation, and life’s struggles, because of their commitment to Him. He makes it clear that giving your life to Him does not free you from the pains, difficulties, and challenges of this life. However, whatever condition you may find yourself in, He has a solution – His invitation is of perfect value.
The Source of the invitation gives absolute credence to the value of the invitation. The relationship between you and somebody will make you treasure the person’s invitation. In this invitation, the Lord who has the Power to lift your burden and give you rest is inviting you to a close relationship. This invitation provides a platform for prayer. Jesus sends the invitation so you can come before His Presence – in the audience chamber of God so you can have peace, fulfillment, and hope. Jesus will stand by you if the skies move, your light turns dark, and the earth shakes and tumbles.
Every invitation from Jesus is one of a deeper relationship. For a strong relationship to exist and thrive, communication – in this case a time of prayer, a season of prayer, persevering prayer, and Faith-filled prayer life, is what will keep you trusting Him. Never underestimate this invitation of Love from Christ to you. Those who treasure and hold a constant time of prayer with the Lord experience refreshing moments in their lives. The beauty of this invitation is that Christ will give you His yoke to make the load you carry lighter and bearable (Matthew 11:29,30). What a privilege to call on Christ! What a blessing to come to God in prayer. In His Presence, there is fullness of joy.
LET US PRAY
Praise and thank God for His unceasing invitation; thank God for the privilege of His invitation; pray to keep the relationship with Him through daily prayer.
Pray for people displaced suddenly by disasters – floods, fires, earthquakes, storms; pray for victims of wars, terrorism, violence, and man-made disasters.
Pray for Christ’s invitation to reach young people who are under narcotic drugs; pray for committed Christians who are suffering for their Faith; pray for a revival among believers.
Pray for institutions and systems to work to promote peace, prosperity, and justice; pray for philanthropists, humanitarian organizations, and rescue teams; pray for the sick and grieving.
IN THE OF CHRIST JESUS, AMEN.
