Entering a church in Klang, Malaysia, I was intrigued by the sign
welcoming us into the building. It declared the place to be “A Sanctuary for
the Heavy Laden.”
Few things better reflect the heart of Christ than for His church to be
a place where burdens are lifted and the weary find rest. This was vital in
Jesus’ ministry, for He said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy
laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).
Jesus promised to take our burdens and exchange them for His light load.
“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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is
light” (vv.29-30).
This promise is backed by His great strength. Whatever burdens we may
carry, in Christ we find the strong shoulders of the Son of God, who promises
to take our heavy burdens and exchange them for His light load.
Christ, who loves us with an everlasting love, understands our
struggles, and can be trusted to provide us with a rest we can never find on
our own. His strength is enough for our weakness, making Him our “sanctuary for
the heavy laden.”
God calls the restless ones to find their rest in Him. (RBC)
