Have you noticed all the jokes that have been made about the year 2020 because it’s been such a hard year? We have all been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the resulting economic calamity, job losses, and the need to curtail many of our normal pursuits.
In light of all the bad news in 2020, I want to suggest some good news. Here is the invitation of your Lord Jesus Christ. He says, “Regardless of how bad things get, regardless of what happens with the virus and with the economy, regardless of how much insecurity you are experiencing, here’s the invitation.” He says, “I want you to come, and I want you to lay your life situation out in front of me. And I want you to allow me to get involved — because I have the potential and the ability to turn things around on your behalf. And I’m willing to turn the world around for you personally.”
Here’s the way Matthew’s gospel records it: “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).
Have you noticed that, when Jesus gives an invitation like this, there is always a lot of attention given to our soul? I don’t find that in the solutions that culture offers. Yet isn’t it true, as we get older, that our souls demand more and more attention? As we get older, we become more and more aware that if something is wrong with our soul, then nothing is going to be right anywhere.
In these last weeks of 2020, perhaps we’ve made a mistake by not including in our strategy something for our souls. If you’ve found that nothing is bringing you peace and contentment, then Jesus says, “I’ve got some good news for you. Come to me, get under my yoke, and learn from me, and you will find rest for your soul.” You will have found not just a financial advisor or a health care advisor — you will have found a life advisor when you surrender your life to him.
In the name of the One who can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
Bruce Jones, Pastor and Co-Creator,
Imagine Church of the Carolinas
