Day 136/260: Read Matthew 11

Do the toils of life ever get you down? Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Life can be difficult, but we can enjoy peace and hope and rest in Christ. He gives comfort and strength to get us through our struggles.

Notice, however, that it is not rest in this life that Jesus promises. Indeed, those who serve God will find themselves working harder than ever before. The promised rest is “for your souls.” It is an eternal rest from our labors. Work here, and rest forevermore.

There are too many on this side of eternity that want to be Christians in name only – that is, they don’t actually want to live like Christ lived. They want all the blessings and benefits that come with being a child of God, but do not want to put forth any effort in strengthening His kingdom, His church.

Jesus promises rest to those who work. Those who do not work cannot have any expectation of rest founded in the Scriptures. We must serve the Lord daily and sacrificially.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). If you expect rest then, you must work now.

Memory (Read aloud 5-10 times)

Matthew 12:36. “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.”

Pray

Pray for opportunities to do the work of the Lord.