Scripture:
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Reflection:
In this passage, the Lord summarizes the invitation to discipleship that characterized His earthly ministry, but to understand the invitation of this passage, we need to understand the background. Jesus addresses the people of Israel who were burdened and weighed down with the world, the legal dos and don’ts of the Pharisees, and the consequences of the guilt, frustration, and dissatisfaction that always goes along with life issues.
I know that we all have struggles or difficulties that come with life, and these struggles can make us weary or feel burdened or, let’s say, overburdened. I find it difficult at times to give up control of my problems and to allow Jesus to take care of them. Sometimes, I feel the situation is not large enough and that I can handle it alone. Sometimes, I get too consumed with what is going on around me to keep my focus on Jesus.
Since he is there to help me with every issue, I wonder why I don’t always put my complete trust and faith in him. He should be our best friend, and we must talk to and include him in every part of our lives.
Easter is a time for us to reflect that God gave his only son, Jesus, as a sacrifice on the cross for us. When he took his last breath and died, he wiped away our sins for all time.
All we need to do is go to God, wherever we are, and ask him to forgive our sins, and they will be wiped away. That is powerful and not something to take lightly. It is a free gift that God gave us because he loved us, which is such a powerful and selfless gift.
Reflection Written by Tina Hegeman
Prayer:
Lord, we should turn to you for comfort in times of trouble and sorrow. We invite you into our hearts for this season of Lent. Wrap your loving arms around us and grant us the strength to endure whatever life brings our way. Please help us trust your divine plan and find solace in your unwavering care.
In Jesus's name, we pray, Amen.
Please take a moment to consider what God is speaking to you through the scripture passage and the devotional reflection.
Then, take some time for prayer—pray for your own soul, and lifting yourself up by reflecting upon the past week, asking for God's forgiving grace, and seeking His sincere guidance and presence for today.
You can also listen to the music provided below as a backdrop
for your time of prayer.
Softly and Tenderly, United Methodist Hymnal 353