Sola Devotions

Concerning the Invocation of Saints – part 13

Scripture Text: Matthew 11:25–30

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Matthew 11:25–30

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Invocation of Saints 

Then we also have Christ’s command to call upon him. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden,” etc (Matt 11:28), which is certainly spoken to us too. And Isaiah says, “In that day the root of Jesse shall stand as an ensign to the peoples; him shall the nations seek” (Isa 11:10). Then, “the people of Tyre will sue your favor with gifts, the richest of the people” (Psa 45:12). And, “May all kings fall down before him” (Psa 72:11), and shortly after, “May prayer be made for him continually” (Psa 72:15). Christ says, “that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father” (John 5:23). And Paul prays, “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father...comfort your hearts and establish them” (2 Thes 2:16–17). What commandment or example can our opponents produce from the Scriptures concerning the invocation of saints?

Pulling It Together: Most people seek rest at the end of the day. If they have worked hard, they are tired. Others just want to retire; they want to stop working altogether. The rest that Jesus gives is rest despite the work, and further, regardless of the troubles of life. Jesus provides something more than physical rest; he gives spiritual rest, comfort, and peace. Because he bore the heavy load of our sins on the cross, our burden is comfortable and light. We are saved by God’s grace, not by the things we do or do not do.

This is the mystery that so many will not understand even though it has been revealed in Jesus. He alone is our salvation. Christ has eased the burden by saving us when we were unable to carry that load ourselves. He alone is faithful and just to forgive (1 John 1:9). Who else would you turn to in prayer other than he who supplies rest for your soul? Who else does the Scripture teach you to pray to except to the only one who has been given all authority to answer your prayers? 

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for bearing my sin and giving me rest. Amen.

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Author

Mark Ryman

Rev. Mark E. Ryman serves as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. Previously, Pastor Ryman has served other congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.