Harriet: Rest for the Freedom-Weary - Black Church (Matthew 11:28-30)

Harriet Tubman, a name etched in the annals of history, was not just a conductor on the Underground Railroad; she was a woman of profound faith who found her rest in the arms of God, even amidst the relentless toil of her calling. Imagine her, weary and worn, her spirit heavy with the weight of those she carried to freedom. In the quiet moments, beneath the starlit sky, she would kneel in the damp earth, the cool air wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. It was there, in the stillness, that she poured out her heart, calling upon the God who had promised, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

The Black Church, with its rich tapestry of hope and resilience, has treasured these words for generations. These are not just words; they are a lifeline thrown to those who have labored under the cruel yoke of oppression—those who have endured enslavement, the harshness of Jim Crow, and the ongoing struggles for justice and dignity. In a world that demands so much, where survival can feel like a relentless grind, Jesus’ invitation resonates more deeply than ever.

Harriet found her strength in those moments of prayer, her rest not merely for the body but for her weary soul, each prayer a step toward liberation. Imagine the chains of despair falling away as she cried out for empowerment, for guidance, and for the courage to forge ahead. This is the essence of what Jesus offers—a divine refreshment that fuels our freedom work, a sanctuary for the soul amidst the chaos of life.

So, dear friends, as we gather in worship today, let us bring our burdens, our exhaustion from the fight for justice, and our longing for rest. Here, in this sacred space, we can lay it all at the feet of Jesus, the One who promises not just to lift our burdens but to replenish our very spirits, sustaining us for the work of freedom that still lies before us.