This is part of an ongoing series during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. To engage further in the #QuarantineSoulCare series, click here.
Jesus does not say, “Come to me, all you who have learned how to concentrate in prayer, whose minds no longer wander, and I will give you rest.” No, Jesus opens his arms to his needy children and says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NASB). The criteria for coming to Jesus is weariness. Come overwhelmed with life. Come with your wandering mind. Come messy.
What does it feel like to be weary? You have trouble concentrating. The problems of the day are like claws in your brain. You feel pummeled by life.
What does heavy-laden feel like? Same thing. You have so many problems you don’t even know where to start. You can’t do life on your own anymore. Jesus wants you to come to him that way! Your weariness drives you to him. …
Jesus didn’t come for the righteous. He came for sinners. All of us qualify. The very things we try to get rid of—our weariness, our distractedness, our messiness—are what get us in the door! That’s how the gospel works. …
In bringing your real self to Jesus, you give him the opportunity to work on the real you, and you will slowly change. The kingdom will come … when Jesus becomes king of your life. But it has to be your life.
Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God’s kingdom.
–Matthew 18:2-5, The Message
May today you bring your real self—your weariness, your distractedness, your messiness—to Jesus. May Jesus work on the real you today, and give you rest. #quarantinesoulcare Click To Tweet
Today’s reading was taken from A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller.
