Are you feeling burdened by the demands you’re facing in life? Are you tired, burnt out and weary?
Jesus says, “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 NIV
You see, Christianity is about a PERSON, not about religious rules. Jesus is that person, and he invites you to “Come to me!”
If you’re weighed down by a mountain of expectations, Jesus invites you to come and RECEIVE. Rest is a gift you can receive, and Jesus promises “I will give you rest!”
When you receive his rest, you free yourself to LEARN from Jesus. He invites you to take on his yoke. When a farmer ploughs a field with oxen, he joins a young ox to an older and more experienced ox. They’re connected by a yoke, which allows both animals to move, turn and stop as one. The younger ox quickly learns from the example and direction of the senior ox.
Now imagine being yoked to Jesus. You’ll learn what to do, when to do it, and how to do it right – directly from Jesus himself! And since he’s gentle and humble in heart, whatever you do with him will be easy and light. Being yoked to Jesus is how you’ll find REST for your soul!
Here’s the invitation from Jesus once again:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Matthew 11:28-30 MSG
Father, thank you for sending Jesus to be our Saviour and Teacher. Today, we put down every burden that has been placed on us by others or by ourselves with our own expectations.
We make a commitment to rest and receive from Jesus, to learn from him. We allow ourselves to be yoked to Jesus, to move when he moves and stop when he stops.
Lord, teach us to be humble and gentle, just like Jesus. We want to be restful, and right now we receive the gift of rest.
In Jesus’ Name we pray,
Amen!