You knew your words would be misunderstood, right Jesus? Back in the day when you were tweaking the noses of the Pharisees, rest was something that came through special occasions. The Law of Moses set aside special times for weekly rest (the Sabbath), seasonal rest (feasts and holidays), and extended rest (the seventh Sabbath year, where the land and the people rested).
Things haven’t changed much. I have to confess that I look at rest the same way: I think of physical rest that happens on specific occasions. I can’t wait until the next time I drop my surfboard in the water. I can’t wait for those rare mornings when I get to sleep in past 6:30. I can’t wait until the even-more-rare weekends away, when I can actually relax and turn my cellphone off.
But you’re talking about a different kind of rest, right? “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”
You’re telling me that this kind of vacation doesn’t require an airline ticket or a week off from work. That I won’t find it by learning 10 secrets of stress-management. You’re telling me that this kind of rest starts when I come to you. When I’m in a close relationship with you. And you seem to be saying it so emphatically that I should probably put an exclamation point there.
“Come! Come on! What are you waiting for? Come to me daily and you’ll never be tired again.”
But there’s more to it than that, isn’t there? Let’s talk some more tomorrow, Lord.