I was invited to an amazing lodge on the western slope of Colorado to spend a few days over the holiday season. I was in the busy season of the year and the rest that the trip would provide was actually needed. Let me mention one more thing, the lodge is owned by my brother, so the time there would also include catching up with him as we would talk around the fireplace. It was a very kind invitation. Unfortunately, I had to decline in order to fulfill previous commitments.

           Jesus makes a significantly more spectacular invitation to us. The passage begins with His attention directed towards little children. Jesus is inviting everyone, all the way down to little children, to come to Himself. We experience so much in the presence of Jesus. We are refreshed in the presence of Jesus. We are unshackled by the presence of Jesus. We are well rested by our time with Jesus. The burden on our shoulders is released in the presence of Jesus.

           With His invitation comes His proactive activity. He does His work when we are near Him. His divinely empowered efforts replace our human efforts to accomplish what He wants to happen in and through us. He will move in hearts, He will give motivation and He will create the momentum to bring Himself maximum glory. Accept the invitation. Hold the hand of the inviter and rest in His presence.