Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NRSVUE)
This Bible verse is a refuge. It is comforting. It is easy to remember and oh, how we like to call on it from time to time. The message here is that if you take on the yoke of Jesus you will find rest in your souls. The physical yoke that comes to mind is the implement used to harness two animals together to allow them to pull a heavier load than one could pull alone. In addition, Jesus says that he is gentle and humble in heart, and that if we take his yoke, we can learn from him. This is an invitation we can all welcome.
The view through which I see most things in this world is through my eyes as a mother. I will always remember the years devoted to raising children. I was a working mom, divorced and remarried, at some point moved from the south to the Midwest, and helped care for my mom in her late and final years while raising my daughter at the same time. This is not all to my story but it does provide an outline. Those were not easy years but they were…wonderful years. I am certain I relied on sharing the yoke with Jesus daily. I still do, but now my life seems less burdensome – at least physically.
I just returned from a visit to my daughter. She too is a working mom and after a visit, I am reminded of how much effort is involved to raise kids and work. Work demands, work-life balance issues, schedules, deadlines, child drop-off and pick-ups to school, laundry, food prep, baths, dealing with illness and childcare – to name… just a few. I see her raising my granddaughter and I see my other daughter raising our two grandsons and many of their peers doing the same. Bravo, to you all! Parenting is beautiful, messy, life-affirming and purposeful. It is the most precious gift from God and a calling. “I am gentle and humble in heart.” What parent can’t lean into that? Do you want rest, parents? “Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, I will give you rest.”
Questions for Reflection:
- For what do you need comfort right now?
- How do you feel knowing that Jesus invited you to take his yoke when you are weary?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Jesus’ gentle and humble heart. Thank you that Jesus reaches out to us to share our burdens. He is there for us when we are weary. He is ready to give us rest. We are so grateful. Amen
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