Enter into God’s Rest
Shalom, dear brothers and sisters. Today, I want to share with you a message that carries profound comfort and strength. It’s a word about the peace we receive—not from the world around us, but from the Lord Yeshua, our Savior. Let’s reflect on His words from the Gospel of Matthew 11:25–30, where Yeshua says: “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30).
This is more than an invitation—it’s an open door into the rest of God. In the original Hebrew, the word used here speaks of deep inner stillness, the state of shalom—a profound and perfect peace that cannot be explained with words. Shalom is not merely the absence of anxiety; it is the presence of God within us, unshaken by our circumstances.
In today’s world, we live in constant motion, often overwhelmed by worry. But if we’re still anxious and restless inside, it may be that we haven’t truly come to Yeshua. He doesn’t just say, “Come.” He calls us into His heart, where there is love, acceptance, and most of all—peace. Only in Him can we be free from fear, guilt, and the endless striving to “earn” righteousness.
A powerful moment in His message is when Yeshua says: “Take My yoke upon you” (Matthew 11:29). In Jewish tradition, this is known as ol ha-mitzvot—the yoke of the commandments. But this yoke is not a burden. It is a way of life defined by love. The commandments of Yeshua are not heavy; they rest on two simple but profound truths: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37–39).
We cannot love without first having received love. That’s why Scripture says: “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us” (1 John 4:10).
Once we’ve received God’s love, we become capable of giving it. We’re not only able to love our friends, but—just as Yeshua teaches—even our enemies: “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44). That is victory. That is spiritual maturity. Because when we live in peace, when shalom fills our hearts, we are free to serve from a place of rest. True service cannot flow from an anxious heart.
The apostle Peter also reminds us: “Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). How vital it is to remember this when exhaustion sets in, when heaven seems silent. But the Lord is not silent—He is teaching us. As the prophet Isaiah wrote: “All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children” (Isaiah 54:13).
Our walk with Yeshua is a path of discipleship. We don’t learn from the world or from our circumstances—we learn from Him. He Himself said: “Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29). And truly, as we fix our eyes on Him and abide in His Word, that deep, steady peace takes root within us. It doesn’t matter what’s happening outside—we know Who lives within.
Sometimes the noise of life, the rush of responsibilities, or the weight of uncertainty tries to pull us away. But Peter warns us: “Be sober-minded, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). That’s why we must stay spiritually awake, alert, and grounded in truth.
And finally, a great promise and hope: “The God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10). We live in God’s grace. We are held in His hands. And nothing can take this shalom from us if we remain in Him.
Dear friends, this message comes to you from Jerusalem. It is for you. Open your heart to His peace, take up this yoke of love, and walk in the shalom of God. May your journey be lit by the teachings of the Lord, may your faith be an anchor, and may your spirit be filled with the peace that surpasses all understanding. Blessings to you in the name of Yeshua the Messiah. Amen.
Pastor Oren Lev Ari