Today’s Bible Reading: Luke 10:21-24; Luke 10:38-11:13; Luke 11:27-12:21; Matthew 11:25-30

Throughout the gospels we repeatedly see Jesus offer rest and reprieve to those who followed Him.

“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28–30

This was not a new concept for God’s people. From generation to generation, throughout the Old Testament God continually offered His people rest. God gave them the Sabbath, a day of rest (Ex. 34:21). God gave them a year of rest (Lev. 25:4) and God gave them a land of rest (Deut. 12:10). But most of all God extended to them a life of rest.

“And He said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.” Exodus 33:14

Jesus’s words should have stirred the listener to recall many Old Testament passages pertaining to God’s rest.

What the Old Testament shadowed, Jesus demonstrated (Heb. 4:8-11). Jesus gave a practical lesson in resting. Consider Martha and how Jesus admonished her to rest from her toil. No doubt, Martha considered her work a labor of love - for her Messiah, Jesus was in her house. As Martha hurried about, her sister, Mary, sat at Jesus’s feet and listened. As Martha chastised Mary for not helping, Jesus said:

“Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed…” Luke 10:41–42 NKJV

The one thing needed is what Mary chose: to rest in the presence of Jesus. Although Martha was doing necessary work, it didn’t need to be done at that time, when Jesus was speaking. So today, if He calls you to sit for a bit, choose to kneel at your Lord’s feet and listen. There you will find rest for your soul.