Music courtesy of The Falls Church Anglican Choir, Falls Church, Virginia, under the musical direction of Simon Dixon. Audio mastering by Andrew Schooley. From Messiah by George Frideric Handel (1742)

Listen to the full playlist for Handel’s Messiah.

We know of Jesus’ Great Commandment (Matt. 22:37) and His Great Commission (Matt. 28:19). Here we find His Great Invitation. And what an invitation it is! It’s an invitation to find what we all long for and what we all need.

Consider the One who extends this invitation. He describes Himself as “meek and lowly in heart.” He is kind and gracious, not severe or harsh. And He is unpretentious and self-effacing, not arrogant, haughty, or pompous. Can any words suggest a more welcoming posture toward anyone willing to take Him up on his invitation? His are open arms, not just willing, but eager, to receive us.

Consider the result of this invitation—rest for our souls. Jesus offers that inner harmony and order and security, that sense of purpose and direction, that brings peace and contentment to our hearts.

And how is this rest found? Not in looking within ourselves and asserting ourselves against others. It is found in taking His yoke upon us. That means coming under His authority and learning from Him. Unlike the yoke of the Mosaic law and its commands (or even the yoke that we place on ourselves to make us feel successful, worthwhile, and valuable), Jesus’ yoke is not burdensome, even though it demands that we submit our lives to Him in total allegiance.

Jesus’ yoke is easy and light not because of what it demands, but what it brings—a relationship with God as our Father. Jesus mediates the presence of God in our lives—a presence that gives the rest of security and significance, peace and joy in the gracious, fatherly loving care of our God. Isn’t that what Augustine discovered, when he confessed, “O Lord, our hearts are restless, until they find their rest in You.”

Will you respond to this Great Invitation today?