Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28, 29 (NKJV)
By Bro. John L. Cash, “Country Preacher Dad”
The Cash family has had a much different week this week than the one that preceded it. Our week at Bible camp was filled with days of constant motion and interaction, followed by nights sleeping in bunkhouses with rows of camp-cots.
I wasn’t surprised that I was tired when I got home. After all, I’ll be 50 years old in a few months. But it did surprise me that Susan and the boys seemed a bit worn out. I guess the church camp is the sort of job that takes a toll on even the energetic and young. So, this week, everyone has been focusing on getting a little rest.
We live in a society in which “resting” is usually seen as being synonymous with “laziness.” But this is not the way that the Scriptures treat the subject. The gospels tell us that when the demands of the following crowds became too oppressive, Jesus led His twelve disciples to places where they could have times of rest and fellowship with Him. It was there that they were strengthened so that they could minister to those who were seeking the Saviour.
Several years ago, one of the older ladies from my congregation (who was always busy working for the Lord) explained to me her secret for effective service. She said, “Brother John, I try to be like the Lord Jesus. The Bible tells us that Jesus ate food and He rested. So, every day I eat and I rest, too!”
In today’s Scripture lesson (at the top), Jesus gives the promise of rest to all who come unto Him. He says that following Him will not be exhausting like carrying out the regulations of the Old Testament Law. His new “yoke” is easy and His “burden” is light. We are no longer in bondage to the Law. The only burden He wants us to carry is that of living a life of Love.
So, live for the Lord Jesus this week. Show your love for Him by keeping His commandments, and show your love for others by the way you treat them. But remember that if you’re weary from your work, it’s OK to take a rest. Because when you are tired, resting is a very holy thing to do.
Dr. John L. Cash is the “Country Preacher Dad.” He was raised in Stuttgart, Arkansas, and has spent the last 25 years being a country preacher in the piney woods five miles south of the little town of Hickory, Mississippi. (On week days he works at a public school.) He and his lovely wife, Susan, and his sons, Spencer (age 20) and Seth (age 17) live in the parsonage next door to the Antioch Christian Church (where everyone is rested up and back in the swing of things.) He would love to hear from you in an email sent to jcash@scott.k12.ms.us.
Bro. John, Ruth forwarded me the devotion you wrote about Ms. Louvenia Logan and the cat. I was thoroughly entranced and now enjoy reading your weekly devotions. Thanks for sharing the Word.