The Invitation

Scriptures: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Our niece is getting married. Her Mother, my wife’s cousin, told us this good news months earlier and asked us to join them in this joyous occasion. She also told us that other cousins will be there, too. Her voice was filled with joy, excitement, and anticipation.

But her invitation did not come just once. Throughout the last few months, she would call us from time to time to make sure we would be able to make it to the wedding. We could sense the eagerness and, to some extent, the anxiety behind this mother’s desire to make sure everything in this most important moment in her daughter’s life go right. Her desire to share this great joy of her life with those who are close to her heart also came through loud and clear.

In many ways, her invitations reminded me of the invitation our Lord Jesus extended to us in our passage today. First of all, they were both extended to a specific group of people. In Jesus’ invitation, this group of people are those “who are weary and burdened.” (Matthew 11:28) People in this group are weary because they work really hard. Their lives are filled with needs to meet, responsibilities to fulfill, and desires to satisfy. But the worst part is they know no other sources to turn to for help and support. They feel they have to accomplish all these entirely by themselves. They are drained physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Secondly, the invitees are the people close to the hearts of the host / hostess. Jesus is always mindful of those who are weary and burdened. One characteristic of a life of someone weary and burdened is the absence of vitality and joy. Other than work, there’s nothing left for anything good that God intends for them. There’s no time left for enjoying the love and companionship and there’s no energy left to pursue them, either. Life is like an endless stream of demands for work.

While these people may or may not be aware of their inner needs for strength and restoration, nor may they be able to express how they truly feel underneath, our Lord sees them and the weariness and emptiness within them. He knows what they need and He is compassionate enough to provide the rest they need. Contrary to what many believe, this is not an invitation that prompts actions. Instead, it’s an invitation that leads to rest, one that comforts all who respond, strengthens everyone who rest in Him, and restores every souls that came to Him.

This invitation signifies the first step in a changing relationship between us and our Lord and Savior. But I think this invitation is not a one-time offer. It’s good for life. You see, after we made our initial / first-time response, our lives are still filled with needs to meet, responsibilities to fulfill, and demands to satisfy. If we are not careful, we would be dragged into all these busyness and be drained in every aspects of our beings easily again. But thanks be unto God for His invitation through Jesus Christ continue to be good. Any time we feel drained or burdened, we are encouraged to come back to Him for rest and for the joy of the rejuvenating fellowship with Him.

Wherever we are, God sees us and the condition we are in, the same way Hagar proclaimed, “You are the God who sees me.” (Genesis 16:13) We are never alone and God knows exactly what we are going through. He is compassionate and capable of providing us the peace and restoration we need to triumph with Him in life. What a comfort to know that this invitation from the Almighty God is still good for us each day of our lives. Praise the Lord!

Prayer Requests:
1. All newly weds

Prayer:
Father God, thank You for seeing us through every situation in life and for the reconciliation and peace made readily available to us. Help us to respond to Your invitation by faith and submission because we pray in the name of our loving Lord, Jesus Christ, Amen!