Take the load off

The other day I looked out my office window just in time to see a young man being placed under arrest by two deputy sheriffs.

Being the former nosy journalist that I am, I walked outside to determine what was going on.

It seems one of the officers in an unmarked car observed the fellow exceeding the speed limit in a small SUV as he passed through town.  

Rather than pull over as he should have done, the man attempted to elude the cop, and was eventually chased onto our street where he came to a dead end.

The second deputy quickly arrived on the scene, and then the real trouble began.

The fellow had no valid drivers license, the car he was driving was registered to another person and a search of the vehicle turned up a stash of dope.

The car was hauled away by a towing company.  The driver was hauled away in a cruiser.

There was a time when I would have said, "Good.  He's getting what he deserves for breaking the law."  

Today I am less inclined to focus on the law that was broken than on the man who is broken.  

It is possible to sum him up without even knowing his name.  

He is in his twenties and probably has no permanent employment. 

He has no car of his own, his drivers license is revoked or suspended and he has no health insurance. 

His few possessions will all fit into one room, and other than his TV they have little to no value.

He has struggled with drugs since his teens.

He has done things he regrets.

He wants a better life but he is trapped by previous decisions and current addictions.

He has no hope.

There are no quick fixes for broken people, but there is a place where healing and recovery can be found.

Jesus said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."  (Matthew 11:28)  

Our savior invites all of us to bring our burdens and cares - our lives - to him so that he can give us relief!  The word 'rest' means much more than a good night's sleep.  It is a renewed life, a lasting respite from the things that weigh us down daily.

He adds, "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." (Matthew 11:29)

Animals yoked together walk side-by-side with one another.  They walk in step and at pace with each other as they move along the path.  But one must be taught to take its walking cues from the other.  

This is how it is when one walks with Christ. 

Jesus encourages us to imitate him in gentleness and lowliness, to learn from him in humility and strength.  In him we find peace and rest.

If you have feelings of failure or disappointment related to the events of your life, look next to Jesus.

If you live with regret or shame over your past actions, look now to Jesus.

If you are being swallowed up by addictive or unbridled behaviors, run to Jesus.

You have an open invitation to lay all of it on his shoulders.  

The hard part is already done.  He carried the punishment for your sins to the cross, died there and has risen to life again.

This is the new life he wants to share with every broken one of us.