August 28, 2024 - Matthew 11-16

I was reading an article about Johnny Manziel, “Mr. Football,” who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns as the number one draft pick in 2014.  After flailing out of the NFL after only two seasons, recently, he said, “I had the chance to walk across the stage at Radio City Music Hall and be a No. 1 draft pick in the NFL.  I had everything in my life I could have ever wanted. I had money. I had fame. . . .  And, for some reason, when I got there and I got everything that I wanted, I think that was truly the most empty I had ever felt inside.”  He found the whole world crushing down on him even as he had everything in life he could have ever wanted.

People look in all the wrong places for fulfillment and joy and calm.  Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (11:28-30).  Oh, to be able to testify!

I heard the voice of Jesus say,

“Come unto Me and rest;

lay down, thou weary one, lay down

thy head upon My breast.”

I came to Jesus as I was,

so weary, worn, and sad;

I found in Him a resting place,

and He has made me glad.   -- Horatius Bonar (1846)