My Yoke Is Easy, My Burden Light

Have you ever wondered why burnout is such a common ailment in society today… even among the clergy?  If this verse is true: “My food is to do the will of the Father” (Jn 4:34), then why do people experience burnout?  This verse even seems to say that as we do the will of the Father that it will provide Life to us… it will be “food” to us.  And I’m sure that “food” is much more than just experiencing some ‘warm fuzzies’ once in a while… and a few crowns on that Great Day.  There is a practical factor here… in this life!  I believe Jesus is saying that when He did the will of the Father, Father provided everything for Him. 

So here’s Jesus’ invitation to us: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” – Matt 11:28.  Jesus wants to give us rest.  He says that the way you receive rest is to be yoked with Him.  It is not hard to flow with Jesus because He will not lay anything heavy on you—“For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matt 11:30)

“Rhythms of grace are God’s divine tempo for your life. It’s not about what we do or don’t do. It’s about Who is setting our pace.” – Kerri Weems – from Burned Out On Religion

Here’s a picture of being yoked with Jesus?  Imagine a pair of oxen yoked together.  The younger ox sees what the lead ox does and follows.  If the lead ox turns left, the younger ox turns left.  If the lead ox stops, the younger ox stops.  When the lead ox starts moving again, the younger ox follows.  Likewise, Jesus wants us to follow His leading and flow with Him.

“Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.  I’ll 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.” – Matt 11:28-30 (MSG) 

So where do we get the idea that God has given me a heavy burden?  Where did that thought come from?  If the burden is heavy… if it’s sucking life out of you, then check to see if it is from God, because Jesus said that His burden is light.  If it doesn’t give you life, reconsider where your burden came from.  Is it religious obligation… or self ambition… or self preservation… or ??  Ask God how to you can exchange your heavy burden for His easy and light burden.  As we learn to flow with Him, we will find rest for our souls!

In a related post I give some prompters to check to see if your ‘yoke’ is giving you life… or taking life from you.   And I share my two word life motto: Follow Life… A Little Child Can Do It!

— MLH

 

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