If you’ve followed this blog for any length of time, you know I return frequently to Matthew 11:29-30, because I struggle most with this concept of resting in Christ and taking his yoke, not my own or others. I found this at a favorite blog: Gospel Paradox by Pastor Andy Lewis…here’s an excerpt:
God says in Matthew 11:29-30 “Take my yoke upon you for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls.”
These gospel words have given me peace. It reminds me that I must work but Christ calls me to work the correct way. The preceding verse calls me to come to him with all of the things that are weighing on me…what I think the day should look like, what I feel should be accomplished, how I hope people will respond, what needs to be done on my to do list…when it says “come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.”
But then the following verses of 29 – 30 remind me that when I give him my burden he gives me his yoke. Here is the difference, his yoke fits me perfectly. And Jesus is not a slave driver – he is “gentle and humble in heart” and through following him we “find rest for our souls” Oh the mellowing effects of putting the gospel deep in our lives!!!
Father, whatever comes my way today remind me that it comes from the hand of a sovereign, loving God who is gentle and humble. Let me rest and relax, even as I work, in the truth of your yoke rather than the burdens I or others put on my back. May I be satisfied today with pleasing you above all others. Amen and Amen.
