Wed., Mar 14
GET THE YOKE?
“Come unto Me, all that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Oxen pull heavy loads, as do other beasts of burden, harnessed or yoked or roped. Now, does anyone want to sign up for that? What's the appeal here?
Again, Jesus took a part of everyday life and turned it into an object lesson. In the first century, carrying heavy things was a part of life, everyday life, lugging water, firewood, or what-have-you. We use automobiles, wheelbarrows with pneumatic tires, shopping carts, garden tractors, so we don't quite resonate with this picture from 2000 years ago.
But, Jesus was also referring to any other burden: emotions. Finances. A dead-end job. A family that could appear in a soap opera. These burdens are as tough on us as carrying the day's water supply...or, maybe even heavier. “Give them to Me,” Jesus commands. “Now, follow My ways and do My work...and I'll be right there beside you, pulling with you in the same harness!”
Prayer: Lord, praise You and thank You for taking the brunt of my burdens. It's hard to believe that You want to pull right alongside of me—help me to better understand this and to change my life accordingly. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment