In Need of a Rest Stop!

Through the years, Kim and I have done a lot of driving up down the highways here in the Northeast. As we do, whether we are on the New York State Thruway, Connecticut Turnpike, New Jersey Turnpike, or Route 95, it’s not uncommon for us, after a few hours of driving, to be in need of a rest stop. Well, thankfully, our highway systems have rest stops all along the way. So, when we begin to get a bit tired, need to stretch, use a bathroom, or get something to eat, it’s not all that difficult to find a rest stop that will meet our need. Once we’ve stopped, even for a short amount of time, we feel reenergized and ready to keep on travelling. We’re thankful for the rest stops along the way. 

Did you know that, one of the themes found in the Bible has to do with, rest? Right at the beginning, in the account of creation, we read of God resting on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). Later on, God commands his people to set aside the seventh day as a day of rest. It’s called the Sabbath. (Exodus 20:8-11) That day was meant to be a rest stop for God’s people.

The psalmists often wrote of their need for rest. They wrote words such as, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”(Psalm 91:1); “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him…Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.” (Psalm 62:1, 5); “Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.” (Psalm 116:7) They confessed their need for a rest stop. 

It’s in this context that Jesus’ words take on so much meaning when he said, “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.” (Matthew 11:28-29 – NIV) Jesus knew that we not only need physical rest, but as well spiritual and emotional rest. He was offering rest to those who had become worn out by the pace of life, burdened by the difficulties of life, and weighed down by all the effort it takes to live a religious life. He was offering himself to be our rest stop! 

Are you in need of rest today? With everything that’s been happening in our world these days, it’s not surprising that many of us, myself included, might find ourselves a bit tired, burdened, and weighed down. Thus, Jesus’ words are truly both a wonderful invitation and an incredible promise. He calls us to come to him and know that in him we will find exactly what we need: “rest for (our) souls.” 

Do you need a rest stop today? If so, come to Jesus!  

Have a great day! 

Pastor Tim Harris