Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your soul.
As he reached up to rub his nose, the chains rattled and the sound echoed down the hallow hallway of the prison. Chained between two guards, Peter certainly couldn’t tuck his hands under his cheek to sleep, but sleeping was exactly what he was doing when the angel found him. A death sentence hung over his head. At first morning light, he would be paraded out by palace guards to be executed as an example to others who might decide to proclaim that Jesus is LORD. But God had other plans. This scene reminds me of another Bible story: the storm on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus had preached all day, then he told his disciples they would cross to the other side. A great storm arose in the middle of the night and the waves of water were overwhelming the boat to the point that these fishermen turned disciples felt they might lose their life. Where was Jesus? He was resting on a cushion in the stern of the boat. The disciples had to wake him up! How could anyone sleep through a storm of that magnitude? How could one awaiting his sure death sleep in the middle of this prison? How do you rest in the middle of your storm or threat of harm?
Jesus first said we must “come”. We are issued an invitation, but it is not a mandate. We are free to refuse the offer. Many times we get so busy “doing” we forget the invitation is to come and “sit at the table”. Mary knew what was best. There is much to do when you are entertaining a household of guests, and Martha was busy doing all those things. I sympathize with Martha here; I believe it is good to be productive, but we must not lose sight of the who in the process of the what. Who are we seeking to please? Jesus said “come.”
The second directive is to take his yoke. What is a yoke? It was used to harness an animal to direct them to the work that was intended for them. The Bible says that God has good works appointed in advance for us to do that we would walk in them. Walking in them, means to make it a way of life. This is not a never ending to-do-list, but rather a way of living life submitted to God and His authority. We submit to the will of our good Father God.
Finally, we are told to “learn form Him”. What are we to learn? The next line tells us he is gentle and humble in heart. We are to learn his character and allow His Spirit to change ours.
The next time you need rest, but can’t sleep, go to your heavenly Father, bow in submission at his feet, and learn His Word and his nature. You will find soul rest.