April 20

Rest

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 57:1-6 | Joshua 21:1 -22:20 | Luke 20:1-26 | Proverbs 13:15-16

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Joshua 21-22

And the LORD gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their ancestors; not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the LORD had given all their enemies into their hands.  45 Not one of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass (Joshua 21:44-45).

God promised that if they would obey him, he would give the children of Israel the Land. While their obedience was far from perfect, God fully fulfilled his end of the bargain. Not one of all his good promises had failed; they all came to pass.

How like us, our obedience is usually far from perfect, yet God is always faithful. His promises are true. He never fails.

After years of struggle and battle in taking the land, now they were given rest in the Promised Land: rest from the battles, rest from the journey, and rest from their striving. They were finally home and at peace, now they can rest.

Jesus too, calls us to give up our striving and find rest in our relationship with him. Hear his words:

“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.” Matthew 11:28-30

Finding our home in his grace, we can stop striving in our own strength and power. Finding our security in being his dearly loved child, we are free to take up his yoke and learn from him. Giving up on our futile self-effort, we find rest; rest for our souls.

Heavenly Father, help me to stop striving in my own strength and find rest for my soul. I am weary and tired of carrying a heavy burden. Jesus, I take up your yoke and long to learn from you and your humble and gentle heart. Spirit, empower me that I might indeed find that the yoke is easy and the burden is light. Amen.