Jesus Offers Rest For Your Soul
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[Jesus said] Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
I chuckle at this perfectly timed verse. Couldn’t we all use some rest after the Christmas festivities? But Jesus is offering much more than unscheduled time to sleep late or relax with a good book. His invitation continues:
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. (v29-30)
Jesus offers rest for our souls. Rest from striving and worrying. Rest from trying to belong. Rest from fear and uncertainty. Rest from seeking life’s purpose.
Jesus offers rest for your soul.
This isn’t a carefree life but life with a different perspective that comes by accepting Jesus’ yoke. So what is a yoke and what does farm equipment mean for us?
There’s no getting around it—a yoke is an instrument of submission. It binds a person or animal to another. An oppressive iron yoke causes pain, but the shape of a carved wooden yoke eases the workload to minimize discomfort.
In addition, when two oxen are bound together, one is older, seasoned, and well trained in the work routine. The second is young and inexperienced. By sharing the same yoke, the veteran leads the way and trains the younger. Gentle, humble Jesus invites us to yoke ourselves to Him.
But why yoke ourselves to anything? Can’t we live unbound? In truth, we are bound to something – a relationship, buying happiness, achieving success, or something else.
Jesus says come to me if you’re weary. Work alongside me. Learn from me. I am loving and good. My way of life gives rest for your soul. (tweet this)
Couldn’t we all use some rest? How does following Jesus give your soul rest?
Do you know someone who needs to hear these words? Would you share with them?
#SeedsofScripture #restforyoursoul #takemyyoke #letJesuslead #learnfromJesus
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Spend a few minutes to plant a quick Seed. Or stay longer and plant a whole garden.
Thanks for daring to say it straight. “A yoke is an instrument of submission. It binds a person or animal to another.” I believe this, but it is a message that is hard to hear in our culture…our society worships the individual rather than the one true God. We tend to value independence over submission. Beautiful how your tone and word choice bring out the freedom and comfort of being yoked to Jesus. When bound to Him, our lives gain purpose, meaning, and fulfillment while He simultaneously helps us bear the heaviest of our weights.
Yes, Barb, submission is a nasty word in today’s culture. But being yoked to a loving, caring Jesus actually results is freedom as you say. Thank you for commenting. I appreciate your added insights.
How perfectly stated Ms. Cathy. We are indeed, yoked to Christ so we might learn His ways. In the same way, we more mature (not necessarily older) Christians must view discipleship the same way. We must maintain our connection to Christ, yet seek opportunities to yoke ourselves to young/immature Christians so we might help them find their way on this journey in faith we call life. I liken this concept of Christianity being a “mule train”, where more as more and more mules (let’s admit it, we humans are a ‘mule-ly lot’) are teamed together, we can handle larger and larger loads. What a great post to start the New Year with ma’am. God’s blessings!
Absolutely, J.D., discipleship is the same model. More experienced Christians need to always be yoked to a newer believer. Great insight! I also love the mule train idea. Working together and with God as our leader, we can handle more. Meeting you in 2019 was a blessing.
I can’t think of anything better than being yoked to Jesus . How many times have we said, “Jesus, please take the wheel.” He has been at the wheel even when we have arm wrestled Him over it. Happy NY Cathy and thank you for this reminder that He is in us, with us, and forever guiding us.
Amen Paula! We give Him control and then try to wrestle it back! Happy New Year!