“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ 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.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Grace and peace to you from God our heavenly Father and Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior. Amen.

It may be left over from our grade-school days, but many of us continue to equate summer as a time of rest and relaxation. As many of us have discovered as adults, relaxation can be hard work. Rest is not always easy. Even more of us probably consider rest a synonym for sleep (especially when we are not getting enough).

Oxford lists three common definitions for ‘rest’ when used as a noun.

1. an instance or period of relaxing or ceasing to engage in strenuous or stressful activity.
2. music – an interval of silence of a specified duration.
3. an object that is used to support something.

Each of these definitions gives insight into the ‘rest’ Jesus gives.

Sabbath rest is the intentional break in routine to experience mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical respite. Jesus does relieve us of the strain of daily activity. Luther describes Sabbath as time to “gladly hear and learn” God’s word. Rest can come as the daily stresses of life are set aside (however briefly) to focus on what God is doing and saying in our lives.

Jesus also gives intervals of silence. If anyone feels like thumbing through the hymnal, they might notice the rubrics (italicized in red) scattered throughout the liturgy calling for ‘silence for reflection.’ During and prior to prayers, following the sermon, in our daily prayers, and other random moments in life – Jesus gives us the space for silence. In a world full of noise, Jesus relieves us of life’s cacophony with intervals of quiet reflection. The Holy Spirit gives us the capability to pray “with sighs too deep for words” and commune with God in those silent spaces. Christ’s ‘rest’ allows us to know God is listening even when we do not have words to express ourselves.

Finally, God’s rest functions as a yoke. God carries our burdens and gives us strength. We ‘rest’ on God’s power. Our lives ‘rest’ in and on the love of God. Faith supports us through all things. We can be as certain as Paul was when he informed the Philippians, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) We can do all things, because Christ gives us rest – in every sense of the word.

The grace and peace of God keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.