“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Dear Ones:
The word “come,” when used by the Lord Jesus, is indeed a most wonderful word. It carries with it great, and life-changing meaning, which has eternal ramifications, and blessing. It is used in several different ways to communicate to us the wonder of its significance, leading to great possibilities. It is at the same time an invitation, a commandment, and the very means by which God enables us to respond. So, let’s look at it briefly from three standpoints: the saving of our souls, the opportunity of living for the glory of God, and then, the upward call for eternity into His glorious presence.
In Matthew’s gospel, the Lord addresses those who are “hungering and thirsting” after spiritual reality and life, by inviting them individually, and corporately, to come to Him. “Come unto Me.” He qualifies this invitation, commandment, and calling, by speaking to the condition of those being addressed: “…all you that labor, and are heavy laden.” There were those who sought the Lord who were expended, weary of the labor and trials of life, weighed down by care and the uncertainties of life and death. To these who are in such conscious need, He speaks, and graciously calls them to come to Him. In that invitation is also the gracious command to come, and the provision of the grace of God to do so. He then speaks to the essential element of coming to Him, that which will set them free from sin and death, to know true LIFE. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Of what does He speak here? First, He is declaring that there is NOTHING in Him that would hinder them from coming to Him, for He has made Himself to be as they are, only without sin. He is thus, totally, fully approachable. Secondly, he addresses the need for them to realize that in coming, there must be the trusting of Him. The evidence of this is the taking of the yoke upon them, submitting themselves to His words, His authority. As opposed to the “yokes of men,” and of this world, HIS yoke is easy, and His burden is light.” (Matthew 16:29,30)
There is another invitation to “Come,” and it is again also a command, accompanied by all the grace of God to do so. Though there are several instances where the Lord Jesus specifically addresses individuals to “come to Him,” He would address very clearly the essence of what it means to truly come in faith to live for Him, and serve Him. In Matthew’s gospel He would say, “If any man will COME after Me, let him deny himself, and follow Me.” (Matt. 16:24) Here the invitation, command, and provision, are given to not only provide us a beginning to knowing Christ, but a “walk,” “work,” and “warfare,” in knowing His presence, love, and power. To follow Him is to first and foremost, enter into fellowship with Him, knowing the revelation of Christ by the Spirit to the heart and mind (the soul), then believing Him to reveal Himself through the life, in word, deed, and demeanor. It is also, as Jesus was, a “sign to be opposed.” Hence, it is also a call to engage in a warfare, for our enemy and His, is ever seeking to tempt, hinder, and quench the testimony, the witness, the manifestation of His glory in the lives of men. The call to follow Him is the invitation, commandment, and enablement to KNOW Him increasingly, every day, for as long as we walk on this earth.
Lastly, there is another “Come.” It is that which resembles what was said to the Apostle John on the Isle of Patmos: “Come up here, and I will show you things which must be hereafter.” (Revelations 4:1) It is noteworthy that when the Lord Jesus addressed John, the invitation, commandment, and enablement, could not be more clear. First of all, he “…heard (the first voice) as it were of a trumpet talking with me.” The call was clear and powerful, demonstrating with utmost clarity and power of the Lord, His intent and will. Then, there are John’s words: “And IMMEDIATELY I was in the Spirit: and behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.” (v.2) Here is the unveiling of God’s provision, not only as it applies to the eternal, but to the one coming to Him with the burdens of life, to be His disciple, to follow Him. With the commandment comes the grace, power, and authority to answer, respond, and to believe.
Dear Father, give us to be those whose ears are very attentive to Thy voice, Thy voice ever declaring to us to come unto You. Open our eyes to see the wonderful privilege it is to come, the provision by the Spirit to come daily to Thee, and the promise of ever coming up higher, not only in this life, but in that which is to come. We thank and praise Thee for this invitation, command, and declaration of Thy provision in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad