A short reading and prayer for today
Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you… For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
The yoke of the law was an expression that the rabbis often used. Just as two animals were firmly attached to one another by a wooden yoke, so too complying with all the requirements of the law could be incredibly oppressive. Jesus offered another yoke and his was completely different. It was still a yoke, and therefore very demanding, but his yoke was both easy and light. Those who accepted Jesus’ yoke could find refreshment and renewal.
When two oxen work together in a yoke they can be immensely powerful and effective, but it is crucial that the yoke fits comfortably. An ill-fitted yoke could cause agony. In these chapters Jesus has spelt out the massive demands that are placed on his disciples. It’s a life that is full of challenge and difficulty. Disciples of Jesus are bound to encounter division and rejection at times. However, knowing that they are working in partnership with Jesus they have a liberty and joy which enables them to face even the toughest situations with peace.
I wonder what burdens you are carrying at the moment. It may be a burden of concern for someone else. Or perhaps you are burdened by health concerns for yourself. Or maybe you are unsure of the way ahead in life. Nothing seems clear any more. Whatever your burden, if you hug it to yourself it will only grow in size. But as you share it with the Lord, and accept his yoke, you will discover the peace and rest that he wants you to know. That doesn’t mean that the problem disappears, but that you are in the strongest possible position to bear it, knowing that the Lord himself is with you, bearing the burden with you.
QUESTION
What do you understand personally by being yoked to Christ?
PRAYER
Lord God our Father, thank you that we can bring all our burdens to you knowing that you can give us the rest that we need. Amen
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