Read Job 3; Jer. 20:14-18; Matt. 11:25-30
The Spirit of God in the above scriptures has furnished us with a very striking and edifying contrast.
Job opened his mouth and cursed his day. He sighed for rest, but sought it amid the shades of death and in the darkness of the tomb. Dismal rest!
In the prophet Jeremiah we see the same thing. Both these beloved and honored saints of God, when overwhelmed by outward pressure, lost for a moment that well-balanced condition of soul which genuine faith ever imparts.
Now the blessed Master stands before us in Matthew 11 in glorious contrast. That chapter records a number of circumstances which seem entirely against Him. Herod's prison would seem to have shaken John the Baptist's confidence. The men of that generation had refused the double testimony of righteousness and grace in the ministry of John, and of Christ Himself. Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum had remained impenitent in view of His "mighty works." What then? Did the Master take up the language of His servants Job and Jeremiah? By no means. His perfect will was perfectly blended with that of His Father; and hence, "At that time [when all seemed against Him] Jesus answered and said, I thank Thee, O Father,... for so it seemed good in Thy sight." Here it was that Jesus found His rest. And here it is that He invites all who "labor and are heavy laden" to "find rest." He does not point us to the grave as our resting place; but He graciously stoops down and invites us to share His yoke with Him-to drink into His "meek and lowly" spirit-to bear about a mortified will- to meet the darkest dispensations, and the most trying circumstances, with a "thank God," and an "even so." This is divine "rest." It is rest in life, and not in death—rest in Christ, and not in the grave.
Reader, do you ever find yourself disposed to wish for the grave as a relief from pressure? If so, look at the above scriptures. Think of them, pray over them, and seek to find your rest where Jesus found His, in having no will of your own.
We often think that a change of circumstances would make us happy. We imagine if this trial were removed and that deficiency made up, we would be all right. Let us remember, when tempted to think thus, that what we want is not a change of circumstances, but victory over self. May the Lord ever give us this victory, and then we shall enjoy peace.