“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
Listen to: Troy Sneed, "Lay It Down"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThHMlSTPjnI&playnext=1&list=PL7vy24BGVZRlyP7-vTjrvBnXd7bYssbVF&feature=results_main
A young ox, being trained to the yoke, is placed with an older more experienced animal. The older one carries the brunt of the load. Most of the weight is put upon him. The younger one must learn to pace itself, not too fast, and not too slow. It learns when to start and stop. It learns which way to go. It learns from its partner how to be in "relationship".
So it is with Jesus. When we give our lives to God, we are invited to remember that we are spiritually yoked to the Lord. So as we go through life, we encounter heavy burdens. We face obstacles that we must overcome. We grow weary. At these times Jesus reminds those who are weighted down by life's cares to come to him. Twice in these two verses he promises rest. Rest is part of God's plan. Rest gives us restoration of strength and spirit. Yoking ourselves to Jesus gives us balance -- work and rest. If we are workaholics we are taught to let go, to lay down the burden and rest. Jesus will carry the brunt of the weight.
As we walk along side Jesus, we learn the task of plowing through life's soil and becoming more like him. Jesus assures us that he is "gentle and humble in heart." He leads us securely, patiently, so we can develop a heart that is gentle and humble. Imagine: gentleness carrying the burden of our lives. Humbleness soothing our weariness. Such is the way of the Lord.
God has also spiritually yoked us as brothers and sisters in faith. We help carry each other's heavy burdens in our sharing and caring. We help each other to turn it over to God. We build in opportunities to rest, relax and fellowship. And together we learn to be gentle and humble with each other ... as we are yoked to Jesus,who shows us how to plow and prepare God's fields for an abundant crop of spiritual growth.
PRAY: "Lord, I am tired. I am weary. My burden's are heavy, as they are for so many others. Teach us to lean on you and find rest."
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!
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