Weariness, Burden, Trust, and Rest
Sculptor William Henry Rinehart was born in Union Bridge, Maryland, in 1825, and died in Rome, Italy, in 1874. He sculpted Sleeping Children from marble in 1869.
In Luke 18, parents were bringing their babies to Jesus so that He would touch them. As you remember, the disciples rebuked the parents, but Jesus told the disciples:
“Allow the children to come to Me,
and do not forbid them,
for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Truly I say to you,
whoever does not receive
the kingdom of God like a child
will not enter it at all.”
Luke 18:16b-17
An anonymous visitor to Rinehart’s studio said that the sculptor used real sleeping children as models. Notice their peaceful rest and remember Jesus’ promise to all who are weary and burdened.
I imagine you feel weary and burdened sometimes, just as I do. We, too, can be like restful children when we trust Jesus’ comforting promise.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
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.
For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30