By Judy Luffman of Redmond, Oregon, USA
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Picture in your mind a group of people charged with a task. Some get right to work and diligently attempt to complete the assignment to the best of their ability. Some stay in the background and don’t do anything, relying on the others to do it. Some choose to ignore the directions and go their own way, causing confusion and failure in completing what was assigned.
Jesus knew the tendency people have to be self-serving. He recognized that far too many focus on themselves, whether it be for power, prestige, protection, or position. He recognized that the ones whom society judges as “lesser” in wealth, position, status, and power are often the ones who are steady in their commitment to being disciples active in servant roles and ministry. They look outside themselves. They commit to doing their part in inviting people to come to know Christ and in staying open to discern the needs of others. It is to those the message about resting was given.
When we do our best to be faithful disciples who engage in servant ministry, who challenge corrupt systems, who work for the good of all people in all nations, who advocate for the overlooked or ostracized, who bring leadership to congregational life, we can find ourselves growing tired and discouraged. It takes a lot of mental, emotional, and physical energy to not give up when carrying on seems too hard.
Sometimes when I say “yes” to a request to join a church writing team or to consistently volunteer with other church members to serve a hot meal to houseless and low-income folks, it feels like too much of a burden.
Maybe in your life you have felt that way too.
When it all seems too much, when you are weary of well-doing, remember the solace Jesus extends: “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” That message is for all of us who carry those burdens.
Prayer Phrase
“For in him all things…were created…” (Colossians 1:16).
The International Community
Find (or imagine) a globe or map of the world. Look at all the nations and find a country other than your own. Notice the geographic distance between your homeland and this one. Picture a person living there. Pray for this person. Sense God’s love connecting you just as the oceans connect the continents. Thank God for the spiritual connection you have with all of God’s people around the globe. Ask a blessing on the church as a community sharing Christ’s peace, drawing all into the family of God.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.