A Devotion from John Broadus

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, … for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you shall find rest for your souls.”
-Matthew 11:28–29

We can always find him where we are. And since this is so, go to him as people did when he was on earth. Many testify that they have gone and been heard, and none [have] been sent away empty—go, and you too will hear him say, “Your sins are forgiven.” Go with the same humility the Syrophoenician woman felt when she pleaded that the dogs, though they should not eat the children’s food, might yet have the crumbs that fell under the table—and that she, though a Gentile, might yet have some humble share in salvation. Go with all the earnestness the poor blind man felt. He heard that Jesus was passing, and none could hinder him from crying, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And when the Savior commanded him to be called, they said to him, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Even so, my hearer, Jesus commands you to be called, as you sit in your spiritual blindness. Just as Bartimaeus threw aside his cloak that nothing might hinder him and went eagerly to Jesus, so you go at once to him and ask that you may receive your sight. You too shall hear him say, “Go, your faith has healed you.”

And go to Jesus just as you are. Do not wait to be ready—don’t think of being prepared, don’t dream of being fit to go. The readiness, the preparation, the fitness—all must be his gift. How wrong to put off your going to him till you have that which he alone can give! You are a burdened sinner—isn’t it so? Jesus invites you, “Come to me.” Do you say you are not sorry for sin as you ought to be? I know you are not. But go to Jesus and ask that he will help you to repent. If you have no faith, ask that he will give you faith. All must come from him. Let him be your Savior and your all.

You shall find rest. He will not send you away. He came into the world to save sinners—he suffered and died to save sinners—he invited burdened sinners to him. Then take this invitation to yourself—go to Jesus, and your soul shall live. “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life” (Rev. 22:17).