September 3, 2025 - Matthew 11-12

The apostle Paul wrote, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4).  In the Bible we discover origins, history, poetry, personal stories, warnings and judgments, and wonderful promises.  To Timothy, Paul wrote, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16).  All of it is given to us for our benefit that, by reading the Scriptures and living by them, we would have life and find rest with God.  Thus, from today’s reading, maybe just this brief invitation from Jesus and the words from a wonderful hymn I found:  “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).

Come, said Jesus’ sacred voice,

Come, and make My paths your choice;

I will guide you to your home;

Weary pilgrim, hither come.

Thou who, homeless, sole, forlorn,

Long hast borne the proud world’s scorn,

Long hast roamed the barren waste,

Weary pilgrim, hither haste.

Ye who, tossed on beds of pain,

Seek for ease, but seek in vain;

Ye, by fiercer anguish torn,

In remorse for guilt who mourn;

Hither come, for here is found

Balm that flows for every wound,

Peace that ever shall endure,

Rest eternal, sacred, sure.   -- Anna L. Barbauld (1792)