Matthew 11:28-30
READ – NRSVUE 28 “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. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
REFLECT – MSG 28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
RESPOND – FNV 28 “Come close to my side, you whose hearts are on the ground, you who are pushed down and worn out, and I will refresh you. 29 Follow my teachings and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest from your troubled thoughts. 30 Walk side by side with me and I will share in your heavy load and make it light.”
REST
Reflection
Here at the SFSAZ we come back to this passage in Matthew 11 frequently. It’s our encouragement and reminder that we’re human and we need to rest and surrender our plans with God. So we invite you to rest today. Rest with this passage in different versions in a lectio divina.
Take a few nice deep breaths, inhaling fully and exhaling slowly. Read through the first passage slowly. Pause and then read through the second passage slowly. Notice if there’s a word or a phrase that stands out to you. Take a few moments to wonder about it with God. Why this word? Why this phrase now with what’s going on in my life? Read the third passage slowly. Again notice if there’s something being brought to your attention. What resonates? Is there an invitation or a question? Spend some time with God in response. And finally rest. Take a few more slow deep breaths. Read the passage version that felt like it met you. Let the words settle into you. Spend time in silence with God.