“Come to me…” Jesus said
By Sha.ron Q.uek
How have the first two months of 2026 been for you? Chinese New Year is past and the grind of work, school and home life is probably everyone’s everyday experience.
This season is also the fasting month (Ram.adan) for our Mu.slim colleagues and friends and Lent (time before Easter in the Christian Calendar). In these seasons, what does Rest look like, what does it mean too? Rest is an important way for those fasting to conserve energy and last through the day without food or water. Rest is also important for those observing Lent to reflect and wait on the Lord as we remember his journey to the cross.
So what does Rest look like for you?
Someone recently mentioned to me that in this year of “Rest”, work has been the busiest in the first 2 months already. So how do we survive the weariness that so easily comes upon all of us?
This is what our Lord says to us.
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
(Matthew 11:28-30, NIV)
On 12 Feb 2026, I took a whole day with the 8.30 congregation’s shepherding team to go away from my home and workplace to a small house on the premises of Bethel Presbyterian Church – the home of the Community for Spiritual Formation.
It was before Lent and a good time for me to Rest in the LORD, through some guided spiritual exercises and a Bible passage to reflect on for the whole day.
That day’s passage was from Luke 9:28-36 (NIV) on Jesus’ Transfiguration, which is a big word, meaning, when Jesus was transformed into a glorious state (dazzling white clothes) along with the appearance of 2 prophets of old, Elijah and Moses before the disciples’ eyes. It was a privilege as well as a challenge to reflect on that passage for hours.
But it was good to slow down. Not do housework. Not do work. Have the permission to rest or nap if I needed it. And just to BE with the Lord. The diagram below was my takeaway, to listen to God’s chosen, beloved Son, Jesus. It was good. May you take time to go to Jesus, because in coming to listen to Him, you will find rest for your souls.
