Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, 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 is light. — Matthew 11:28-30

In certain areas in the world, farmers use animals, like horses and oxen, to plow their fields and pull wagons. When multiple animals are used at the same time, farmers yoke them together. This makes the burden of the work easier for the animals to handle. A yoke is usually a wooden frame joining two animals at the neck, enabling them to pull a plow or wagon together. Jesus said that you who labor and are heavy laden, should come to Him and be yoked with Him. When you are yoked with Jesus, your burden will become easy and you will find rest for our souls.

The Message Bible puts it this way: Matthew 11:28-30 says, ‘Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I will show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly’.

God is interested in our well-being and wants us to have restful lives. Today, be yoked with Jesus, hold on to Him and learn from Him. Follow Him and allow Him to lead and guide you. Talk to Him… tell Him about your struggles and don’t bare them alone. Whatever work you have to do, involve Jesus and allow Him to lead you in green pastures.

Get away with me and you’ll recover your life… Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.

Meditate on…

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, 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 is light.” — Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV

FILM: Jesus of Nazareth