Honouring the glorious invitation, COME!

Sunday, 19 July 2020 05:30

Honouring the glorious invitation, COME! - Taiwo Akinola

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Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest ~ Matthew 11:28.

Introduction: Supernatural rest is still abundantly available to everyone, saints and sinners alike, no matter what we may have experienced in terms of trials, toils and perplexities. But, only through Christ Jesus.

Rest is good, and more so that it’s a gift from God (Genesis 49:15; 2 Samuel 7:1). David testified to this in Psalms 23:2-3: “He makes me lie down in green pastures .... beside the still waters”. Solomon also experienced it and he enjoyed great wisdom, wealth and stability, with no adversaries nor evil occurrent (1Kings 5:3-4).

The Lord knows pretty well that no man’s efforts can secure rest for him, just like Noah's dove couldn’t find rest until it returned to the ark. Hence, He explicitly invites all men to come unto Him to find rest for their souls.

In another beautiful context and, unarguably, one of the sweetest passages in the entire Bible, we read, “Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink” (John 7:37). What an incomparable sound is this! I wonder if such is ever heard anywhere and from anyone else in this weary, groaning world!

Most certainly, Jesus Christ has the power to put anyone at ease if we would only accept His gracious invitation. Adam messed up the Garden, but Jesus restored the whole cosmos. Sanity, therefore, must never ignore the glorious invitation of the Restorer of all things, Jesus Christ. Sanity mustn’t!

In the common usage of the word, ‘rest’ means to relax, to pause and to be at ease. However, supernatural rest is a rare gift, which is why many people too easily push it aside. Yet, life without it isn’t sustainable. Supernatural rest refreshes and gives us the energy required to honor God, to love others and to fulfill our assignments.

Kings on earth and great ones among the people are usually difficult of access. But not so Christ! In spite of His lofty uniqueness, He graciously invites us to come to Him, promising to give us rest from sins, from the terrors of the law, and from the fears of eternal death.

With this invitation, no doubt, Jesus was addressing the poor, the weary, the lost, and the ruined sinner who labour and are heavy-laden. He offered tranquility of soul and eternal rest hereafter through His pardoning grace. Surely, Jesus has all things relating to the peace, comfort and salvation of men in His hands.

Since the invite is open to all - “whoever will, let him come” - we must admit that He was also addressing the generality of all other issues that affect human destiny: health, money, career, marriage, spiritual conflicts, etc. And, I have no doubt that several millions of people in all ages since can bear witness that the promise is sure, and that Jesus Christ is indeed a full, suitable, able, and willing Saviour.

It is worthy of note that in one of the Old Testament prophecies, Jesus Christ is majestically set forth as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6-7). Thus, He is eminently qualified to invite men to His rest. He’s from above, and He’s clearly above all. He’s the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He’s the Master of the Most Sacred Honor, and the indisputable Monarch of Creation - Jesus Christ the Lord! He’s excellently omnipotent and He’s still able to help anyone that will call upon Him in faith, today!! Alleluia!!!

Hey, Jesus still gives peace, even in this turbulent world. Of course, the Bible is replete with many accounts of His miraculous divine interventions.

There was this incident of a very dangerous wind on the high sea. The disciples became helpless, they cried unto the Lord, and He helped them: “He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39). In another account, a renowned sinner was supernaturally rescued from her sinful activities after an encounter with Jesus (Luke 7:50). Friends, no doubt, supernatural rest is still available in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:3). However, the critical question is: how can you appropriate it in your personal life?

First of all, it’s important to consider Jesus’ invitation and embrace His rest as an essential change in your life. Anyone who is tired of admitting change should be ready to rot on the stressful wings of life, forever. And accepting His glorious invitation is the very first fundamental step towards supernatural rest. This is true wisdom that could impact several areas of your life, including your walk and words of faith, and would certainly engenders supernatural rest for you (Proverbs 12:25; 15:23).

Most importantly, to enjoy supernatural rest, you must be truly born-again and close up all relationship gaps between you and God (Matthew 6:33; 2 Chronicles 14:7). Jesus Christ is still ready to receive everyone who would believe in Him, to give them rest. But, you hold the key through your faith and repentance to open the door to eternal rest.

In coming to Jesus we must embrace His yoke, fearlessly. Even though it’s a call to self-denial, yet Christ's yoke is easy and His commandments are not grievous (Matthew 11:30). They are holy, just and good, and they lead to life, victory and rest (Proverbs 19:23; 1Jn. 5:3-4).

Friends, may the Lord give you rest, just like He has always done for His people over the ages (Joshua 21:44). May every enemy, whether they be flesh and blood or some adverse circumstances, physical or spiritual, bow before you. Divine rest is your portion forevermore, in Jesus Name. Amen. Happy Sunday!