Yoked to Jesus

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
What is the labor and burden that Jesus is asking me to deal with? Perhaps I need to let go of the compulsive burden (or entitlement) that my spouse and children should choose a spiritual path that I believe to be right. Jesus accompanied Judas Iscariot to the very end but never deprived him of his freedom to choose his own destiny. Despite Judas's rejection, Jesus remained undeterred in accomplishing His mission. Although He became a victim of Judas's betrayal, He never assumed the victim’s identity. Instead, Jesus chose to die in our place (and that of Judas) in a redeeming act of love.
Rather than relying on my wisdom and craft to fix those entrusted to my care, I must take every conflict, misunderstanding, and difference to the Lord. Like Jesus, I must joyfully accept privations and persecutions.
Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon yourself and learn from me, for I am meek and humble, and you will find rest for your souls." To know Jesus is to know the Father, and wisdom flows from this intimate relationship. Scripture teaches that Jesus reveals the Father to those He chooses. To be one of His chosen, I must accept His invitation to be yoked with Him. The yoke symbolizes my total obedience to Jesus, allowing Him to guide and discipline me as we walk together.
Why have I burdened myself with the impossible, tasks beyond my control? Must I not leave these concerns to the One for whom all things are possible? Jesus said, "Come to me, all who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." A soul at rest is imbued with holiness.
In the Book of Sirach, wisdom calls, "Draw near to me" and "Put your neck under the yoke." (Sirach 51:23,26) By being yoked with Jesus, I learn humility and silence. In the face of His accusers, Jesus was not compelled to prove His innocence or defend His actions, even though He had done everything right.
Wisdom is not merely the ability to give sound advice but an inner assurance of knowing and being known by the Father. By leaning on Jesus, I gain wisdom and rest, for wisdom resides in Him, and rest flows from His holiness. May I never cease to gaze upon Your holy face, O Jesus, humble and meek, for I choose to be yoked with You forever.
This is a very peaceful and beautiful line of thought. It is exactly what I needed to read today. Thank you for your insights.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful write up. Helps a lot.
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