"Do You Have Cause To Rest?", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

It's Labor Day. A U.S. National Holiday. Many have the day off today and have enjoyed a long weekend. It's kind of a way the government honors those who go out into the work force each day to make a living to support their families and the framework of America.

It's a nice gesture. Hey, a day off is a day off.

However, it falls woefully short. You could have the entire week off and it wouldn't be enough. Even a month. Sooner or later it is back to the grind.

Only Jesus is enough. He does not just give rest. He IS Rest.

He is our Rest. He will CAUSE you to rest.

There is a lot more at stake than just becoming physically spent by your laboring in the work field. Every hour you spend at work is time away from your family. Every moment spent thinking about something else is time not spent on refreshing your mind and spirit.

People can get so wrapped up in working so hard that they will not take the proper time to refresh themselves.

Here's some good news. Since most of us have no choice but to earn a living, and we cannot take off on a mental health day or week whenever we want, Jesus has built into our relationship with Him a fail safe, fool proof method that ensures our physical, mental, and spiritual stability.

Matt. 11:28 - "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]"

Ease and relieve. Just let those words sink in a moment. Refresh. Rest.

Is it actually possible? If Jesus says it then it is possible.

Your rest is not in a trip to Disney. In fact, statistics show that many people come back from vacation more stressed out than before they left! Yes, you can forget to take Jesus with you even on vacation.

I love the bumper sticker that reads: "No Jesus, No Peace...Know Jesus, Know Peace."

The most important part of the verse this morning? "Come to Me."

Come to Jesus and let Him take care of you. It's sooooo simple that it must be too simple because so many miss it. Is this the epitome of not seeing the forest through the trees?

Come to Jesus. He is your rest. You'll never know true rest until you do because He is Rest. He is the Refresher. He is the Restorer. He is All and Everything. It's ALL in Him. There is no other Source.

Be blessed today. If you are one of the many who is enjoying a day off, remember that while your day off may be the courtesy of your company and the U.S. Government, your rest is in Jesus!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><