# 5: JESUS OFFERS REST FOR OUR SOULS
(Matthew 11:25-26, 28-30)

About mid-way through Jesus’ three and one-half year ministry on earth, his  disciples saw him rejoicing and giving thanks to the Father for hiding His wisdom from those who are wise in their own eyes and for revealing it to the humble who trust God. Even then, Jesus had fullness of joy because he lived in God’s presence, as the Scripture promises, “In Your presence is fullness of joy;” (Psalm 16:11b, NKJV).
 
Messianic Prophecy Fulfilled:
(Given 1050 B. C.)

“You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed You
with the oil of gladness more than Your companions”
(Psalm 45:7, NKJV).

Then with a love that surpasses knowledge, Jesus described the rest that is available through him,

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle,
and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light”
(Matthew 11:28-30, NLT).
 
The responsibility that Jesus gives us fits us perfectly. Because of His grace and help, it feels light, especially when we cast our cares on the Lord and release to Him burdens that He did not give us (Psalm 55:23, I Peter 5:7).
 
Old Testament Promise Fulfilled:
 “’. . . This is the rest with which you may cause the weary to rest, And, `This is the refreshing’. . .”
(Isaiah 28:12, NKJV).
 
Messianic Prophecy Fulfilled:
(Given 725 B. C.)

“In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples;
the nations will rally to him, and his place of rest will be glorious”
(Isaiah 11:10, NIV).

Do you remember when Jesus first called you to Him and saved you?  I remember when I first received Jesus as my Lord, I felt such a refreshing presence of God come to me. And His presence has never left. God has given us the Holy Spirit from heaven and when we draw near to Jesus in surrender and in prayer and praise and worship, we come into the heavenly atmosphere of the Holy Spirit. The things of the world cannot compare to the privilege of being in the presence of the Lord and having Jesus teach us by His Spirit.

“Come to Me, and I will give you rest,” Jesus promises. Jesus relieves us of burdens which we cast on Him, and He says, “Learn from Me”, because He is willing to teach us the wisdom that we need and He tells us about good things which He has prepared from us (I Corinthians 2:9-10, John 14:26, 16:13-15). He also shows us what our responsibilities are and then He works with and through us to help us fulfill them.

Don’t forget to take time today to get renewed in the presence of the Lord. Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. Stay in His presence long enough for Him to speak to you, teach you, and refresh you (Acts 3:19, Isaiah 40:29-31).

Note: much of this devotional is from The Life of Jesus Foretold, pages 92-93.his disciples saw him