In the first reading today from Exodus 3, Moses has a question for God. “When the children of Israel ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what am I to tell them?” God replies, “Tell the children of Israel: I AM sent me to you.” This became God’s name, and in the New Testament, we hear Jesus referring to himself as I AM.
Today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 11 is very short, just three verses. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Comforting words, indeed.
These words are especially poignant for me. Tomorrow is my birthday, and turning another year older typically makes me a bit introspective. Birthdays aren’t a big deal anymore, but they are a good time to take stock. And as I take a look at my life, I can tell you that I am blessed beyond measure. Summer is a time for vacation. If you’ve been working your tail off this year, I hope you’ll find time in the busy-ness of life relax, pray, and find rest in Jesus.
Father, you know that we are sometimes worn out from life. Show us the way to come to Jesus and find rest for ourselves, that we might be re-energized to serve you. Amen.
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