Through Jeremiah the Prophet, God calls the people to stop all their religious observations and efforts and consider their history as God’s people. Adam and Eve did not cover themselves. Well, they tried to, but God had to discard their leafy clothing and provide for them from the skin of the lamb. God would give them what they needed.  Abraham was not a perfect individual, but he trusted God. David was not perfect by any means but he was a man after God’s own heart. He trusted God. As a matter of fact if you read Hebrews chapter 11 you’ll see how all the ancient characters were commended not for their works but for their faith. In Jeremiah 6:16, he tries to get the people to consider this truth and to fall in line with that reality. He writes, “Thus says the LORD: Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk in it.”

I’m a firm believer in salvation by Grace through faith alone. None of my works contribute anything to my salvation nor to my sanctification. They are distractions to my faith.  They get in the way. It’s by believing in God and trusting Jesus and His words that bring my salvation and helps me grow in faith and thereby enabling me to make better life choices. Many people will argue that this is “Easy Believism.”  When everything in our nature wants to contribute to our own salvation and sanctification there is nothing easy about trusting solely in Christ Jesus! It’s the most difficult thing to do and involves a daily battle. I want to work, I do not want to trust! But the call is to trust!

Jesus is quoting Jeremiah 6:16 in Matthew 11:28. He says, “Come to me all you who are weary and burned out on religion and I’ll give you rest. Take my yoke upon you for I am humble and gentle and my yoke is light and easy and you will find… (pay attention here!) REST FOR YOUR SOULS!” Jesus’ yoke is light and easy because he did all the work. He’s accomplished the impossible for each of us. We are to simply believe that and trust Him. The only true “rest for your soul” is to go all in on Jesus.