Matthew 11:28 (ESV) “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Devotion
Jesus said these words to crowds of people in the streets of Israel. He had just explained to them how John the Baptist fit into God’s plan for salvation. John was a prophet, and more than a prophet. He called people to repentance from sin and religious hypocrisy. A “yoke” is a wooden frame over the shoulders of a farm animal that connects it to a plow or cart and allows the farmer to guide it as it works. Sin is a heavy yoke, and Satan is a cruel master. In our human minds, we are also prone to add to God’s requirements laid out in Scripture, thus laying a heavy yoke on our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Like those to whom Jesus spoke in person, we are called to repent from sin. And we are also called to repent to trust in Jesus. Jesus continued, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Rest in Jesus is not laziness or inactivity, it is peace that passes understanding as we live life God’s way.
Trusting and surrendering to Jesus means he gets to guide our lives as we live and work. Jesus’ yoke for you does not look like 613 rules (mitzvot) one must not break. All the law and the prophets come down to loving God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and loving your neighbor as yourself. Through Jesus’ death on the cross and his resurrection, he made a way for the yoke of our sin to be broken and for us to be free to obey and please God as we walk under his yoke. When we cooperate with God, the yoke is easy and the burden is light.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your invitation to come to You when we are weary and burdened. I surrender the heavy yokes I carry, whether sin, worry, or striving, to Your care. Teach me to take Your yoke upon me, trusting in Your gentle guidance and finding rest for my soul. Help me to love You wholeheartedly and extend Your love to those around me. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Reflect on the burdens you’re carrying today. Are they self-imposed expectations, sins, or concerns you’ve been trying to manage on your own? Take time to surrender those burdens to Jesus in prayer, and actively choose to trust his way by committing to love God and love others in tangible ways this week.
Resources:
Reading through the New Testament: Today’s reading - 1 Timothy - Hebrews
21-Day Fasting Journey with Jentezen Franklin
Yorumlar