Written by Pastor Jack Wellman– Matthew 11:29
Unloading our Burdens
How many of us carry around unnecessary burdens in life? I am pleading guilty to this one but there are times when I have the sense to unload every burden upon His shoulders. Jesus Himself told His disciples and by extension, I believe He tells us to “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” (Matt 11:29) because “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt 11:30). Just as a joy shared is doubled, a burden shared, cut in half.
Taking His Yoke
Jesus puts the decision in our hands. We must reach out and take His yoke. Jesus never forced Himself on anyone. He always left it up to the individual to act. If we are not willing to take His yoke then we are telling God, “God, I can handle it myself” but we really can’t. Jesus said “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). How can a tree bear fruit apart from the tree? The truth is, it cannot.
Entering His Rest
Do you ever feel like you cannot handle what is going on in your life? If so, good! I say “good” because there’s wisdom in knowing when we can’t rest in ourselves and that we need to come to Jesus for that rest. Jesus says “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28), again pointing out the fact that we must come to Him. He won’t force His rest on us. We must be willing to come to Him. Sometimes He just waits until we get too tired and we can’t go on anymore. Why fight it? Come to Jesus and take His rest for there is rest in no other.
Conclusion
If Jesus was humble in heart and gentle, why can’t we humble ourselves too and come to Him in times of need? We can unload all of our cares and burdens upon Him. We need to take His yoke because without Him, we can’t do anything. And, when we tire of the heavy loads in this life, take them to Jesus and He alone will give you rest.
