To all who are weary and burdened.
Is that you? (No judgment here. How could it not be you in such a broken, beautiful world?!) Hear my invitation…
Come to me. Come to me. Come to me.
Lay down in these lovely green pastures for a while. Listen to this bubbling stream…
Could you share with me? What are you weary and burdened about? Can you name that? Name that silently now…
Take my yoke upon you.
But first, you have to take off that clunky yoke you are wearing that was not crafted by me. Are you wearing a yoke given to you by someone other than me? By your parents? By well-meaning but misguided leaders? By one formed through betrayal and pain? Have you crafted your own yoke? All of that is too heavy. Let me help you take that off now…
Okay, now you’re ready…Take my yoke upon you.
My yoke is perfectly crafted for you; it is right-sized and formed perfectly for the way I made you. It will help lighten your load and make your work easier.
Remember, too, that I also took on a yoke when I walked the earth. My yoke’s purpose was to deal with a burden you can never carry – the burden of sin. Rest in my finished work on your behalf.
And good news! I am not leaving you to carry your burdens on your own. I will forever be your yokefellow! I am the mature ox to your side. Learn from me. Learn from me, every day. I will lovingly teach you how to carry the loads I assign to you. I am a good and patient teacher. Remember…
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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.”
-Jesus, Matthew 11:28-30