Covid Lockdown – Day two – an invitation
Covid Lockdown Day Two –
Quiet streets, no school, working from home for many and yet still uncertainty, about how long things will be as they are.
Sadly today, many people look to the business of life to be a place of shelter, a way of escape and a form of identity as they struggle with relationships, finances, depression, loneliness and difficult decisions. Australians now work longer hours than those in Japan who were historically known for their long working days.
I recently spoke to a small businessman who says he is working more than 80 hours per week, let alone those who are now part of the fly in and fly out employment lifestyle.
But you can work long hours and yet still have to at the end of the day, the shift or the week, have to return home to face those things that need dealing with. Things that we wish would go away or never have to face.
Jesus Christ came into this world to rescue us, to save us and to bring a rest to our souls. Busy lives are often barren lives, purposely worked long hours, often in an attempt to assuage the pain of everyday life.
Many times, I have spoken with men who have been police officers their entire lives and just don’t know who they are when they retire. AFL players as well, once their career is over, life is waiting for them with all its everyday problems and concerns and they have no shield from such now their career has ended.
As Covid lockdown day two comes to an end, how have you handled the changes?
Jesus Christ made us a wonderful invitation and promise. He said, Matthew 11: 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
All who labour….Greek literally – to grow weary, tired, exhausted (with toil or burdens or grief). It’s not just physical weariness, its carrying loads of problems – burdens.
There are times we wish we could just tear off, cast aside, or remove the heavy burdens we face at times. Jesus said if this is you and you are under pressure…He invites you to come to Him!
Why? Because He will give you rest – Greek literally – to give rest, refresh, to give one’s self rest, take rest, to keep quiet, of calm and patient expectation.
Very few busy people now days sleep without some form of medication. To have a sleep that when you wake you feel new is something that many people simply wish they could have!
Jesus does not offer medication, He does not offer therapy no, instead He offers you His personal comfort, His very presence in your life. To bring you a calm that just puts everything in its right place. Including Him in your life.
Today, will you receive Jesus Christ’s invitation and find rest in Him for your weary soul.
This is such a blessing. Maybe you are a Christian already, but the cares of the world have strangled are strangling any peace or rest you once had. It’s time to lay aside the things that weigh you down, the concerns about tomorrow and simply, with your Bible open, have a quiet time with He who loves you and made you!
No words, no religious rituals, simply you quiet before God.
This is where you belong. Is this not what heaven will be like when we arrive home?
To be at His feet, in His presence and at rest!