As Christians "We See Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour". Hebrews 2:9
Some times we get so concerned about all the things going on around us, that we often forget that Jesus Christ has all the answers to the Worlds problems. I loved reading this experience and it certainly helps get things in perspective.
REST FOR THE HEAVY-LADEN
It was a beautiful summer evening in a well–known watering place in Wales. On the Sea– front stood a large crowd of people listening intently to an aged servant of God who, with his heart full of love for Christ and for souls, was telling out the glorious Gospel of God, the only way of salvation by Christ and His finished work of redemption. When he paused the people appeared loath to pass on; so he urged a Christian young man, who was with him, to speak.
Tremblingly, and with an earnest prayer to God for help, the youth stepped forward into the center of the crowd, but no word came to his mind. Greatly distressed that he was facing the people and yet had no message to deliver, he again secretly implored the Lord to enable him to speak for Him. For a few moments there was no indication given him, but suddenly the words of the Lord Jesus came before him –
COME UNTO ME,
ALL YE THAT LABOUR AND ARE HEAVY–LADEN,
AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST Matthew 11: 28
Nothing else came to his mind, so he again quoted the verse with increased earnestness. Still with no other message he repeated these words again and again, until after reciting this wonderful verse ten or eleven times he slipped back, somewhat ashamed that he had not been able to do more than this. His aged friend closed with a few words upon the tender invitation given by the Lord Jesus to needy souls, and the crowd dispersed.
At that moment a girl of about eighteen years of age approached the speaker with evident emotion and told them a most touching story. Brought up in comfort, she had been suddenly rendered homeless and penniless as the result of her father’s dishonesty in his employment.
Now forced to earn her living she had obtained work and was due to commence her duties the following day. She had arrived in the town that evening in order to be at her post early the next morning, and was feeling thoroughly miserable and broken–hearted as she wandered towards the sea–front in a listless, disinterested way. Suddenly she heard a voice in the distance faintly saying – “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy-laden,” but the remainder she could not hear. The words arrested her, and again she heard them – “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy–laden.” It was louder this time and she was able to hear the remaining words – and I will give you rest.” Heavy-laden! But who could give her rest? Those words, repeated many times, were now deeply impressed upon her broken heart, for all the time she had been walking towards the speaker and the voice had become more audible. She then saw the crowd and listened to the sweet appealing words of the aged man as he took up the story and preached JESUS to her arrested conscience and troubled heart. With joy she accepted the message and opened her heart to the Saviour of sinners. Her face now indicated the joy of her heart as she went on her way rejoicing.
Her path as a Christian was a short one, for within a year she passed into the presence of the Saviour who saved her that night as a poor distressed girl, and filled her heart with “joy unspeakable and full of glory.” Before she was taken Home to be with the Lord Jesus, however, she sent a touching message to the young speaker whose gospel appeal had been blessed to her soul.
Thank God, that in this world of sorrow, sin and death, this gracious message of the gospel is still going forth! There has been no withdrawing of the power nor of the grace behind these words – “Come unto Me, ALL ye that labour and are heavy–laden, and I will give you rest.”
Years pass, world conditions change, circumstances alter, but still there are weary and heavy–laden hearts who need rest. No invention or skill of man has found an abiding remedy for those who are bowed down under pressure, but this invitation is still being given by Jesus, who is the Eternal God and who in love was once here as the “Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” No sorrow of the human heart is misunderstood by Him! In the depth of His love He went to Calvary to settle the great question of sin which is the root of all sorrow and sadness, and now He is available as Saviour to “whosoever will.” Will you come to Him NOW? Listen once again to His gracious words. “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy–laden, and I will give you rest.”
May you be blessed today and keep praying for the Lords will be done on earth as in heaven.
Love In Jesus Holy Name
Dave & Chris Hall
No comments:
Post a Comment