Matthew 11:20-30
Jesus is speaking in Matthew 11:20-30 and at the end of this passage He extends this invitation. "'Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest'" (vs. 28). Now as soon as I read this verse I thought to myself This verse describes me...and it's for me. Yet I don't always make the most of this incredible invitation to give my burdens over to the Lord.
So what's going on in your life that's pulling you down (emotionally, spiritually, physically)? Now that you've read and considered Matthew 11:25-30, what will you do to make sure you're taking full advantage of this offer of rest? Tami W.
P.S. Yesterday we visited the ruins of the city of Capernaum which Jesus denounces in Matthew 11:20-24 because its people did not repent even though Jesus had taught and done many miracles in this area. I took a number of photos of the city as well as the olive presses that were excavated there. Take a look on our Facebook page.
I believe the "rest" that Jesus is offering is not the kind of "put your feet on the couch" rest that we typically think of. The rest that Jesus is offering is peace of mind and contentment in the midst of whatever situation or circumstance we find ourselves in. A yoke is something that pairs two animals together, at least that is the usual meaning of the word. Is Jesus asking us to be "paired' with Him as we go through our life? I believe so. If we are paired with Him, He can do the work for/with us and He is always there with us as well.
It seems a contradiction to tell those who are weary and burdened to take on an extra yoke. In today's society, people seem to want to throw off all authority, all burdens, all yokes, to enjoy what they think will be absolute freedom. But the contradiction is only an apparent one. The foolishnes of God is wiser than man's wisdom. Only through complete surrender to Christ can we find true freedom. Only by taking his yoke, can we find true rest. Only by taking up his cross daily can we find true and complete fulfillment.
It seems a contradiction to tell those who are weary and burdened to take on an extra yoke. In today's society, people seem to want to throw off all authority, all burdens, all yokes, to enjoy what they think will be absolute freedom. But the contradiction is only an apparent one. The foolishnes of God is wiser than man's wisdom. Only through complete surrender to Christ can we find true freedom. Only by taking his yoke, can we find true rest. Only by taking up his cross daily can we find true and complete fulfillment.
Ya know it's interesting. I'd say a number of things have been pulling me down emotionally and physically lately. I've been having residual pain after my hysterectomy and even though it's been five months now, it still wears on me, and so naturally when I'm not feeling so hot that impacts me emotionally. I think that coming to Jesus for rest and comfort is way easier said than done, and that's probably because I look at Him as the people in the church, and not as HE really IS. That's where I need to get back in focus. I think meditating on who HE is instead of his followers, would be helpful. So I'm going to do that today.
As for your pictures in Israel, those are very cool. When I went a few years ago we didn't go to many places, so it's cool to see some of those places we missed.
He says in verse 30: my yoke is easy and my burden light. When I first read these verses, really read them I thought. I'm trying to do what is hard for me. And that isn't Christ. He is tender and merciful. But too if we don't seek Him and take His yoke upon us we will not find life eternal easy or light. These passages show that. We should not deny Christ but take His yoke and follow.