"You're weary," my friend said to me. I remember because 'weary' perfectly echoed my agitated state. I was exhausted and my mind felt harassed by discouragement. Have you too experienced burdens obstructing your way forward?
Jesus was referring to bondage when He said, "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Jesus promised more than temporary relief. He promised cessation. He promised rest.
When we turn from our burdens to Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit reconciles us to the peace of God. There is freedom from what frustrates and perplexes us, because we submit to His lordship, His perfect understanding and care.
"Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." (1 Peter 5:7) Jesus paints a picture of this spiritual truth through his illustration of taking up His yoke.
In Jesus’ time, a young, smaller ox is yoked to a mature ox to learn to walk as a team. The larger ox inevitably carries most of the weight of the yoke upon his shoulders. By submitting to the Lord's guidance, He carries the weight of your load and gently teaches you His way.
The New Testament writers tell us to "learn Christ" (Ephesians 4:20), "have the same mindset as Christ" (Philippians 2:5), and "live as Jesus did" (1 John 2:6). Jesus said, "I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you." (John 13:15)
Being yoked to Jesus Christ you are present with Him while he pulls your load with you. The great exchange of bondage for partnership also empowers you to walk alongside Him in the Spirit drawing in the Kingdom of heaven and reconciling souls to God (2 Corinthians 5:18).
Experience rest for your soul in coming to the One "who knows all things" (1 John 3:20) and "holds all things together" (Colossians 1:17). He promises to "refresh the weary soul and replenish all who are weak." (Jeremiah 31:25)
Today:
Respond to Jesus Christ’s invitation with your words, trusting in His care.
Receive peace like a gift. Imagine handing Jesus your burdens.
Ask Jesus to lead and teach you; submit to His way.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for the rest You promise when I come to you. Please help me to turn to You. Refresh my exhausted soul and relieve me of the load that weighs me down. Please guide me and teach me. Amen.