COME UNTO ME...

Matthew 11:28 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” KJV
I heard a song this morning that took me back to memories of my childhood. Growing up in church, I was introduced very early in lie to the old hymns of the faith. During each service, the pastor would invite the “choir” to “come on up to the front and gather around the piano as we lead the congregation in singing”. Many did so, leaving others in the pews to “sing from where they sat”. What was lacking in harmony was made up in enthusiasm, for many were determined to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord”.
The song I heard this morning was, “COME UNTO ME”, written by Charles Price Jones, Sr. (December 9, 1865 – January 19, 1949) was an American religious leader and hymnist. He was the founder of the Church of Christ (Holiness).
The song’s message is an invitation to those who are oppressed by care, to come to Jesus for rest. He offers to bear every burden and care. The same comfort is offered to those who are disappointed, doubtful and disillusioned. The song warns those who are “stumbling towards the pit of hell’s consuming flame” who “by the powers of sin are deluded and oppressed” and offers rest in Christ. It is a song with a message of hope to all who struggle beneath the load of sin.
The problem is that many do not recognize that sin is a burden on the soul. They do not feel any weight of sin and therefore acknowledge no need of a Savior. This lack of a felt need was posed to a country preacher by a man who challenged an answer saying, “Preacher, you say that sinners are bound by the burden of sin, but I feel no such burden. What do you have to say about that?”
The old preacher replied, quoting 1 Tim 5:6 saying “he (she) that liveth in pleasure is dead while he (she) liveth. KJV, and then admonished, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)”, Eph 2:4-6 NKJV.
“Just what does that mean?” asked the sceptic. “It means,” replied the preacher, “that dead men feel no burdens.”
The things that make one conscious of his need is the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit, Who convinces one of his need. Are you burdened ‘neath the load? Jesus still says, “Come unto Me!”