Rescue [day 2]
[Matthew 11 - The Invitation]
“Rescue” is a song of response and surrender. It stems from who Jesus is and what He has invited us to do. Throughout the song “Rescue,” we repeat the words, “I come to you.” This exclamation is a response to Jesus' invitation to us. There are two places in the book of Matthew where we see Jesus say "Come to me." The first is in Matthew 11:28-30.
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus gives us an invitation followed by a promise. If we come to Him, then He will give rest for our souls. You might think that seems too easy. Where is the “Top 10 Ways to Rest Your Soul” article? Give me the step-by-step guide! I find myself wanting more than what Jesus has offered.
That is the problem! I have an issue with surrender. I have a feeling that I am not the only one either. We desire to be in control. We struggle with letting go and letting our outcome be in someone else's hands. However, this is exactly what Jesus is calling us to do. He wants us to come and surrender everything to Him.
Jesus says to "Take my yoke upon you..." A yoke is a wooden collar that is placed on two animals, connecting them together. As a team, the animals can achieve much more than what one animal could do alone. Jesus tells us to take His yoke upon us. When we yoke ourselves to Jesus our load becomes lighter. He is now carrying what was weighing us down! We must remember, however, that it is His yoke. He is in control. We let him lead. In this partnership, surrender to Him and His will.
When we come and surrender to Jesus He delivers on His promise; He gives rest for our souls. We can try to do it on our own, but nothing we do outside of trusting Jesus will give our souls real rest. Jesus wants to carry your burdens. He wants to give you real rest. You just have to answer the invitation and come to Him.
Scripture Reading:
Matthew 11:28-30 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
1 John 5:3-5 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Proverbs 3:5-8 3 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for extending your goodness and offering your rest. You are the only true rest. I want to surrender my life to you. Help me to fully surrender to you. Lord, I come to you, I trust you and believe in you. Thank you for taking my burdens. Thank you for giving my soul rest.
