Heavy Burdens

Southeast Christian Church

Mar 30, 2022

One of the most difficult aspect of developing rhythms of rest and renewal can be the consistency side of it. Most of us can stick to doing something for a week, but the major challenge comes the following week and the weeks after. And yet, the idea of rhythm is that there's a consistency to it, where we receive the benefit of it when we commit ourselves to it on an ongoing basis.

In Matthew 11, Jesus offers us an invitation regarding rest. It's important to remember that people are hearing Jesus teach this as a rabbi, and it's not the type of message they would normally hear from a rabbi. Instead, what we know was a problem back then, because Jesus addressed it several times, is that people would come to religious leaders worn out, tired, exhausted, and these leaders would give them heavier burden. Then we read in Matthew 11:28-30 that Jesus opens this passage by saying, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened.” He begins by ensuring we know that this invitation is not to people who have it all together. His invitation is not just to the people who have the right kind of resume or can show how productive they've been during the week. The only prerequisite that Jesus gives here is that you be tired.

He is able to offer this invitation because of God’s deep love for us. We can sometimes struggle to understand that God loves you just as much if you didn’t read this content, watch this video, or say any prayers. He loves you just as much if you didn’t do all the things you like you are supposed to in order to be a good Christian. It probably wouldn't give you the right kind of rhythm and it wouldn't help you begin your day out in a way that's honoring him as intentionally, but it doesn't change how much he loves you.

DISCUSSION/REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you have a hard time believing that God’s love for you does not change based on what you do or don’t do? Why do you think this can be difficult to believe?

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Growing in Faith

Spiritual Disciplines

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