READING: Genesis 33-35, Matthew 11:25-12:14
It seems almost contradictory, actually. Jesus calls us to Himself and requires that we give ourselves to Him. He expects us to look only forward, always plowing ahead in faith. By comparison to our love for Him, He wants us our love for mother and father to seem like hatred. He sends us into the world, knowing that world might reject us—and we’re to be willing to die if that’s the cost of following Him. Still, He says, “Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30).
When we’re committed to Jesus, He walks with us and carries us. We are not bound up by religious traditions or laws; instead, we’re freed from sin and death.
Somehow, there’s a sweet rest in following Him, even when doing so puts us in difficult or dangerous situations. That’s because when we’re yoked to Jesus, we know we’re never alone. He’s always, always, always there.
What gets us into trouble, however, is our tendency to fight against the yoke. We sometimes want the rest Jesus offers without the yoke that Jesus commands. Real disciples of Jesus know it doesn’t work that way.
Prayer: “Jesus, I want to be yoked to You, going only where You go – and resting in that.”
Tomorrow’s reading: Genesis 36-37, Matthew 12:15-37