Where can we find rest?
This Easter season, the world around us seems weary. With economic pressures, threats of violence, and an uncertain future, we have reached a point where we need rest and relief. The story of Easter teaches us that true rest is only found in our Lord Christ.
In the Gospel of St. Matthew11:28-29, Christ encourages His weary disciples: “Come to me, all who labour 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.” In what ways does our Lord give us rest?
First, Christ gives us rest now by bearing our burdens. In His death and resurrection, Christ took upon Himself the burden of evil and He conquered it. He understands the hardships which we go through because He Himself has gone before us. Therefore, He can sympathize with us and bear our burdens. When we are weary, let us bring our burdens to Him, and He will give us rest. Let us not be afraid to come to Him. While Christ is Lord of all, He is also “gentle and lowly in heart.” He will hear us as we pray to Him. The story of Easter helps to confirm this truth. Christ loves us so much that He died and rose for us. Therefore, He is always willing to bear our burdens when we come to Him in faith.
Second, Christ gives us rest in the future by offering us an eternal home. We always feel most at rest when we are home, surrounded by those whom we love and who love us. The story of Easter teaches us that the world belongs to Christ. In His resurrection, Christ inherited the earth. But Christ is not greedy. When we trust in Him and follow His example in faith, Christ shares his home with us. We eagerly await the day of the creation’s liberation and renewal, in which our bodies will be raised, as He was raised, and we will live in our new, eternal home with Christ. Then, we will have true and everlasting rest.
When the worries of this world make us weary, let us be encouraged and renewed. The story of Easter teaches us that we can find true rest in Christ!
Rev. Dr Zachary Kail
Member of the Board of Directors
American Academy Larnaca
