Come
to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, 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. Matthew 11:28-29
Just reading the words weary
and heavy-laden
weighs me down with exhaustion. But it’s a feeling I’m all too familiar with
right now. Don't misunderstand, I know I can’t blame the burden on God, or even on someone else.
It’s all been my own
doing.
As I read that sentence I
see the truth staring back at me—my own doing. Instead of sharing my
load with Jesus, I’ve once again gone haring off on my own, trying to do
everything for everyone.
When will I ever learn?
When will I heed what I’ve learned?
I’m trying, and today I’d
like to share with you what I’ve been reminded of about Jesus’ yoke and the
rest He has for me. There are three applications
I’ve found from these verses.
- First, our yoke is personal. In biblical times the yoke of an ox was made from wood. It was hand carved—especially for that particular animal. It wasn’t interchangeable between animals.
- Second, our yoke is a partnership. A young, untrained ox was paired with a more mature ox that could guide and teach the young one and make his work easier.
- Finally, our yoke is perfectly fair and just. The word Yoke has the same Greek root word as the balance on a scale.
So as I once again return to the side of my Savior and protector I
already feel the load lifting. I encourage you to try yours on for size, I’m
certain it will be as deftly tailored and perfectly suited as mine.
How wonderful to read this devotion on this Lord's Day! It has been many things to me: enlightening, comforting and yes, challenging. Thank you! EB
ReplyDeleteThis is a great word for me too. I've been under a heavy yoke of my own this week, and it wasn't my doing. Thanks for the reminder to let the more mature One guide and teach me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your heart. You stay in my prayers. (And you, too, Susan!)
ReplyDeleteLove you!
Love the insight here, Edie. Thank you for for your transparency.
ReplyDeleteSomething I've never heard is that the yoke of an ox must be individually made. In that fact alone, there is much to ponder.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Edie!
What a personal word for me today. I think we suffer with the same struggle. Great info. And I love your heart!
ReplyDeleteI'm feeling a bit overwhelmed right this minute ... glad I stopped and read this post, Edie.
ReplyDeleteEdie, I think there must be something in the water :) May I pray for you?
ReplyDeleteFather, I lift up this precious woman to You. She is totally amazing (like You didn't already know that) and is appreciated everywhere she goes. Lord, she needs extra energy these days, strength for her responsibilities. Maybe courage to slow down a little. Help her prioritize. Open her ears to hear Your gentle whispers of love, guidance, affirmation...Open her eyes to see Your face as You surround her with Your Presence. Thank You Lord for Your Word that ministers to our hearts. Thank You Lord. We love You and we give You praise. You are an amazing God.
Love you Edie! Can't wait to see you in a few days. Warning...incoming HUG.
Great reminder of the fact that Christ will walk with us, helping bear our burdens, if we don't go running off in our own strength.
ReplyDelete