Lenten Theme Hymn: "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say," ELW 332
Devotion
1I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Come unto me and rest;
lay down, O weary one, lay down
your head upon my breast."
I came to Jesus as I was,
so weary, worn, and sad;
I found in him a resting-place,
and he has made me glad.
2I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Behold, I freely give
the living water, thirsty one;
stoop down and drink and live."
I came to Jesus, and I drank
of that life-giving stream;
my thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
and now I live in him.
3I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"I am this dark world's light;
look unto me, your morn shall rise,
and all your day be bright."
I looked to Jesus, and I found
in him my star, my sun;
and in that light of life I'll walk
till trav'ling days are done.
Text: Horatius Bonar, 1808-89 (Public Domain)
I've heard many people in recent months say they're exhausted. Worn out by the emotional toll of division. Tired of bad news online and on TV. Weary of hatred that feels stronger—and is certainly louder—than love. More than ever, we need to hear Jesus say, "Come unto me and rest."
Are you "weary, worn, and sad"? Jesus wants to be your—our—resting place. Not so we can hide forever from reality. But a place of refreshment where we can relax long enough to remember that all is not bad—there is gospel to share! All is not hatred—God's love is stronger. Resting in Jesus, we focus on God's goodness again. We recall kind people showing love to those in trouble, bold voices speaking up for justice, warm friendships brightening our days. Gladdened by rest, we rise anew. Jesus walks with us, as he always has. We can lean on him every step of the way.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for being my resting place. Remind me that I am not the world's savior, but through you who are, I gain new strength to live in love again. Amen.