12/6/2020 - Advent Rest - Matthew 11:28-30

Do you sometimes find it hard to fall asleep at night because of the things racing through your mind? Thoughts that are angry, fearful and anxious often accompany our last and first moments when our heads are on the pillow. Perhaps personal resentment is the biggest taker of mind space. What do you do with all this? Jesus reminds believers to make an exchange.

"Come to me, all 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 

A yoke is an instrument used to attach two working animals together. Where one goes, so goes the other. Notice Jesus doesn't simply say, "Take off all your yokes." As if to say, "Be free!" Instead, he says, "Take off whatever it is that is currently leading you and exchange it for my leadership." In other words, we are all led by something that isn't giving us what we truly desire. Is this true for you Christian? Are you still wearing the yoke of social media's opinion of you? What about the yoke of the culture's demands? How about the yoke of salvation by works?

Give up your desire to live life on your terms and let Jesus lead you and you’ll find the rest you’ve been looking for. I know this sounds crazy in this modern world. Because we’re constantly being told, “Don’t give away your authority! Let no one control you!” Jesus says, if you want inner freedom then give up your freedom. If you want to find your life, lose it. Take my yoke, I will lead you. You don’t have to prove yourself, you don’t have to carry the burden of guilt, or pain alone.