“Come to me, all you 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 easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
People
of all ages have been troubled with similar worries. And the stresses of life
have a way of increasing the burdens caused by these cares and concerns. Satan
is good at finding things that vie for our time and tempt us to put righteous
living on the back burner. This is the reason Jesus spoke these encouraging
words that Matthew was inspired to write for us. He is inviting everyone to get
rid of the worries of life that plague us and to be free to live the life that
God created for us to enjoy (see Matthew 6:25-34 and John 10:10).
We
all clamor for peace and rest. And life rarely provides it for us. Isn’t it
comforting that God knows we need it and is also willing to offer it to us free
of charge? Few, however, are willing to take advantage of it. And this includes
His own disciples. Why do you think that is?
My
guess has to do with the words “yoke” and “burden”. Too often well-intentioned
people think that rest should include nothing to do but kick back in a soft,
comfortable chair and just relax. But there is never a time in this life (and
possibly even the next one) when we will be free to just sit back and take a
vacation. Jesus is not talking here of the removal of all work, but is
promising that we will have help getting through life’s tasks. We have someone
willing to share our burdens with us. Jesus is inviting us to work alongside of
Him.
Notice
that horses or oxen that are yoked together must have a common purpose and must
be willing to cooperate in order to get the job done. This is the same thing
Jesus is calling us to commit to. He has invited us to share “His” yoke and
“His” burden. And the only way we will make it through life and beyond is to
take upon ourselves His purpose and be willing to submit to His will.
Otherwise, we will not be able to get the job done (John 15:5).
Would
you like to be relieved of the burdens of life? Could you use someone to help
you get through each day? Jesus is pleading for you to get together with Him.
He really does want to help you with your life. Give in to Him today.
Doug
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